INTRODUCTIONS

Introductions are not always written for big band charts, but most will have one. Along with interludes and endings, introductions create unity within an arrangement. Many writers write the introduction after a substantial amount of the chart has been completed. It is necessary to know what is to be introduced and sometimes this requires writing the head of the arrangement first to get some ideas on what material will or will not be used in the introduction. Most introductions use melodic, harmonic or rhythmic material from the tune and some have very little or no relationship to the tune at all. When starting a new chart and the introduction does not come to you right away, skip it and start writing the head. Ideas for the introduction will come later.

• The introduction to North Rim was written after almost half of the chart was completed. After writing a section to introduce the trombone solo it was decided to incorporate some of the rhythmic ideas into the introduction. Material from the melody was also used.

• The introduction to Hubtones is very different from the up-tempo pace of the rest of the chart and provides a pleasant contrast. There is not much that relates to the rest of the chart except the varied uses of the melody. Listen to the head and then return to the introduction to compare.

• Oleo uses introductory material that is not found in the rest of the chart. Brass punches interlaced with bebop lines played by piccolo, clarinet, tenor saxophone, trumpet, and guitar resulting in a very exciting introduction. Notice the quote from the melody at the end of the introduction.