Swing Music

1. Swing Music

2. Swing Music • Swing Music was developed in the 1920’s by Benny Goodman. • Swing music was far more organised than jazz that had come before. • Swing music, like Ragtime started in dance halls. • Music became popular with white people – White Man’s Jazz. • Swing was the pop music of its day and was in the charts up until the 1970’s.

3. Swing Music • Music is highly organised. • The parts for musicians are written out. • While there is improvisation, it is more controlled. • There are many Question and Answer sections. • Swing music used a large ensemble of musicians known as a Big Band.

4. Melody Instruments • The saxophones are often the main melody instrument. • The brass often support the saxophones and Answer the melody of the saxophones. • There is usually only one solo instrument at a time. • There is often a singer in Swing music, Ella Fitzgerald and Bill Halliday are amongst the most famous of singers from Swing music.

5. Melody Section: Saxophones: 2 Alto saxophones, 2 tenors and one baritone Brass: 4 Trumpets and 3 Trombones Rhythm Section: Double Bass, Drums and Piano. Instruments of a Big Band

6. Benny Goodman • Responsible for developing Swing style. • Was referred to as the Band Leader • The Band Leader organised the Swing orchestra, wrote the parts and led the performance. • The Band leader would be the most important instrument player of the Swing band and take many of the solo’s. Listen to Two for Tea

7. Glenn Miller • Most famous of all Swing Musicians. • Wrote pieces such as In the Mood and American Patrol. • Glenn Miller died in a plane crash at the height of his popularity. Listen to In The Mood

8. Writing • Swing Music developed in the 1920’s. • Music was written for new dances such as the Jitterbug. • Band usually named after the band leader. • There are between 12-16 musicians in a Swing Band • Swing Band usually has a melody section including 7 brass instruments, 5 saxophones and rhythm section including Double Bass, drums, piano and/or guitar.