I am trying to start a jazz band from scratch.?

Question

I'm wanting to start a jazz/big band, and I need a little bit of guidance in developing it. What instruments are absolutely necessary to begin? If I wanted to have a four-piece band, what instruments should I have? Then as the band builds, what instruments do I add?

Answer 1

A four piece would include drums, bass, (one of the following; piano, keyboard, organ, vibraphone, guitar) and sax.

As the four piece develops you can add alto sax, then a trumpet, then tenor sax, then a tenor trombone. Work it until you have yourself a full fledged Big Band.

The big band consist of a rhythm section, sax section, and a horn section.
The rhythm section includes drums, bass piano and/or guitar.
The saxes includes two tenors, one alto, and one baritone. Adding one more tenor and up to two more altos as you grow. (One or all of the sax players are expected to double on soprano sax, clarinet, and flute.)
The horns include one trumpet, one tenor trombone, and one bass trombone. Adding up to four trumpets and two tenor trombone as you grow.

Answer 2

Rhythm Section (a must) - Piano, Drums, Guitar, Bass (Electric or Stand Up)

Four-Piece Band - RS, Tuba, Trombone(s), Sax(s) (Alto, Tenor, & Bari Sax), Trumpet(s)

Big Band - RS, Tuba, Trombones, Saxes, Trumpeters, Clarinet (Optional),

As the band(s) build, you add more of each instrument. Like if you have 5 saxes, and you get 5 more people joining the band, then you would make 1 a sax, the other clarinet, and so forth. You dont want the band to be more than 30-40 people.

Answer 3

You have to have the rhythm section which is: Drum set, Bass, and Piano (guitar too if you want it).

Then your wind section consists of Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone.

Your saxophones will double on flute and clarinet parts and your trumpet will play flugel horn parts if there are any. You can start out with just one or two on each instrument, but a big band usually has about 4-5 trumpets, 4-5 trombones (including bass trombone). 2 Altos, 2 Tenors, and a Bari Saxophone. You usually have one chair in the trumpet and trombone that is designated the "lead player" they have the highest range. Then you usually have another player in each of those sections that is considered the "solo player." They do the improving on the solo sections of the piece.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

There are no rules, I am the lead vocalist in a jazz band that plays stuff from the 30's, 40's and 50's, we had a brush drummer, a piano, guitar(rhythm) then, when we started to feel more confident, knowing the songs inside out we decided to add wind and brass. What you should consider is what era of jazz (even if they are all different) you want to play, as this helps you determine which instruments to choose. Listen to your favorite Jazz bands and good luck you COOL CAT!!:-)

Answer 5

When I used to be 10 (or even earlier than 10, in general the complete time I used to be developing up.) I listened to The Verve pipe, Garbage, The Verve, Collective Soul, Live, Marcy Playground, Alanis Morrisette, Macy Gray, Joy Drop, and Dave Matthews Band. My dad used to be a ninety's rock type musician for a while and I obtained plenty of have an effect on from him and his CD assortment. No one ever listened to the radio round my condo, so while I heard hiphop and different forms like rock & r&b I in no way appreciated it... good I recollect kind of liking a few R&B like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, however simplest slightly. (: I did play with barbies regardless that, always! I suppose I stop while I used to be 10 regardless that

Answer 6

The foundation of any band is the rhythm section of bass and drums. Then maybe a piano and/or guitar. Then maybe a saxophone. Thats a start. Later on maybe get a singer.
Go for it. Good luck.

Answer 7

..Basically everyone's answered already, but I'll give my two cents anyway.

For the rythym section, you'd need a drummer, and a bass player. (Bass guitar, or cello if you want real style!)
Woodwinds, you'd need a flute (if you want), clarinet, and saxophone.
Brass, you'd need trumpets, trombones, ..yeah.

We had a tenor saxophone and an alto saxophone in my high school jazz band, but I think bari-sax sounds cool too.

I'd totally audition as your drummer or trombonist, by the way.

Answer 8

i have a band myself and we have two saxes a trumpet and a drummer.we have our new album out called ace of spades.if i were to add another instrument id ad a piano or keyboard

Answer 9

If you only have 4 to start with:

drums
bass
piano
trumpet

Next add alto sax and a trombone
then add another trumpet
then add a guitar (but it's not critical).
then add more saxes, trombones, and trumpets

If you were in my hometown, I would audition as a trombonist.

.

Answer 10

Hire good players and pay them well.