Big Band Techniques:

Blend and Balance

A strong, swinging big band sound depends on the understanding of blend and balance within the ensemble.

In this lesson, Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra director Mark Donavan shares some advice on how to develop the blend and balance of your band by bringing proper emphasis to the lead voices - lead trumpet, lead trombone and lead alto saxophone.

The musical example in this lesson is Duke Ellington’s “Harlem Air Shaft”, a programmatic piece written to depict the many sounds and smells emanating from an air shaft in Harlem. It presents many opportunities in rehearsal to isolate the sounds of each section, and relies upon each section to be fully in sync with its lead voice. Remember, the jazz band relies upon leadership from within the band, so be sure to empower your lead voices to play confidently and challenge your section players to hear and blend with their lead player’s sound.

Notice the contrast between the first example, where each player is playing without awareness to the lead voices and the final example, where the band is fully aware of the lead alto, trumpet and trombone voices in the band. Hearing the lead players in isolation will attune the band’s attention to their sound and lead to a better blend throughout the band!

Want to send this video to your students? Use this link: https://youtu.be/LNmbgmZC8Wo