Section voicings

 

saxophones | trumpets | trombones section | mixed

 

MIXED SECTION

The mixed section soli is voiced similiar to the saxophone soli. There is a great amount of flexibility of numbers of instruments and types of instruments that can be used. They provide colorful changes in texture and a "small group" feel within a big band setting. The problem with a mixed soli is found in balancing brass and woodwind instruments. This should be taken into account when writing them. See the two examples below.

 

North Rim (concert pitch)

Instrumentation: Trumpet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Trombone, Baritone Saxophone, Guitar (octave below trumpet)

Click to play example.

 

Isotope (concert pitch)

Instrumentation: Trumpet (harmon mute), Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Trombone (cup mute), Tenor Saxophone

Click to play example.

 

NOTE: Because the trombone is in a high register and could overpower the mix, Chris Merz has the trombone using a cup mute.