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Bart Marantz NPR/KERA Jazz Education Interview    Click below to listen to the interview  Click below to read the article 
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 Reviews "Cruisin On Crestview" Written and Arranged By: Gregory Yasinitsky Instrumentation: Big Band / Konvertible Instrumentation Publisher: Kendor Music, Inc. Grade 2 1/2 Ballad (Quarter Note) q = 80 $42.00 “Cruisin On Crestview" was written for the Lincoln Middle School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Joe Covill, in Pullman Washington, as part of a residency funded by The Commission Project of New York. The chart has a warm melody, rich harmonies and a solo for your lead alto player. It is important not to play this chart too fast, and make sure that the band does not rush. The players should be thinking on the backside of the time holding the feel, but not dragging the quarter notes and swing eight-note figures. To get an audible idea of this feel for your students have them listen to Count Basie’s “Lil Darlin” recording on the “Atomic Bomb” album. This will lock in the feel and give them a wonderful example of laid back big band playing at it’s best. Work your ensemble to emphasize dynamics. This will help to make the chart more dramatic. The band should strive for a nice blend at all volume levels, and avoid the tendency to rush, as they get louder. Encourage your alto soloist to improvise. Both a suggested written solo and changes are provided for the soloist but the changes are modal in content allowing the young artist to “relax” in one key. “Cruisin On Crestview" is a well written ballad for the young big band and will feature not only your alto saxophonist, but if played correctly will show off the entire ensemble. Top note for trumpet is written F in the staff Bart Marantz
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