JAZZ FLUTE BIG BAND


Suggestions for The Jazz Flute Big Band

The brainchild of jazz flutist Ali Ryerson, the JFBB is a fairly new concept in flute choirs.  First appearing as a reading band as part of the National Flute Association’s annual convention, the band is modeled after the traditional big bands of the Swing Era and beyond.  Instead of saxophones, trombones and trumpets, all of the “horns” are flutes accompanied by standard rhythm section.

 

The basic instrumentation is: Piccolo, C Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Contra Bass Flute, Piano, Bass and Drums.   This instrumentation can vary according to the piece and composer/arranger.  Generally it is best to have two or three players on each C and Alto Flute part, four to six bass flutes (if possible) and one or two contra bass flutes (also, if possible).  As far as the contra bass flute goes, I usually write the contra with the idea that I might have to live without it, and so, anything that must be there is cued into the bass part – usually arco. 

Set up: Whenever possible, I suggest the use of microphones.  In addition, the lower the flute, the closer to the front; so, basses and contras in front, altos second row, c flutes and piccolos third and rhythm in back. 

 

You might want to consider moving parts around in the ensemble (having several piccolo players doubling on flute parts), switching 1st, 2nd and 3rd parts and even having c flutes double on alto flute etc.  This tends to keep everyone (assuming they have the ability)  playing other parts, and not getting bored.  The same goes for choosing soloists, move them around.  Seating becomes more of a challenge, but it will be worth it in the end. 


Bolero for Nancy - Jazz Flute Big Band (2009)

Instrumentation:

2 Piccolos

1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th C Flutes

1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Alto Flutes

Bass Flute

Electric Piano

Bass

3 Latin Percussionists

 

This arrangement was written for the NFA  Jazz Flute Big Band, and is an adaptation of the original quartet arrangement.  The solo section features  alto flute.

 

$85.00 USD: Includes parts and score.

Also available for quartet and quintet.

Score Sample

Bolero for Nancy JFBB

 


Pavane - Jazz Flute Big Band (2010)

Instrumentation:

Piccolo

1st, 2nd & 3rd C Flutes

1st, 2nd & 3rd Alto Flutes

Bass Flutes

Contra Bass Flute

Piano, Bass and Drums

 

Written for the NFA Jazz Flute Big Band in 2010, this unique arrangement was recorded by Ali Ryerson and the professional JFBB for the CD, “Game Changer,” on Capri Records.  The arrangement takes the famous melody by Gabrial Faure and brings it into the jazz idiom.  Two jazz solo sections feature C and Alto Flute respectively.

 

$85 USD: Includes parts and score

Score Sample


Principal Pickleist (2009)

Instrumentation:

2 Piccolos (Both Solo Parts)

1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th C Flutes

1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Alto Flutes

Bass/Contra Bass Flutes

Piano, Bass and Drums

 

The original version of this Piccolo feature was written for the BMI Jazz Composer’s Workshop big band in 1995. This arrangement features two piccolos with an extended improvised section, and challenging ensemble parts for the entire group.

 

$85.00: Includes parts and score.  

Score Sample


Siciliano (Bach) for Jazz Flute Big Band (2017)

Instrumentation:

Solo Flute

Piccolo

1st, 2nd & 3rd C Flutes

1st, 2nd & 3rd Alto Flutes

Bass Flutes

Contra Bass Flute

 Piano, Bass & Drums

 

Taken from the Sonata #2 in Eb for Flute and Piano,this orchestration was written for a performance of the “Song of the Angels” flute ensemble in Los Angeles, CA, featuring the arranger.  The arrangement highlights  the soloists’ ability as a classical and jazz performer accompanied by the lush sonorities of the Jazz Flute Big Band.

 

$75.00 USD: Includes parts and score.

Also available for Clarinet, Flute or Bassoon and Rhythm Section

Score Sample