Section 2 (Arranging) - Writing for Rhythm Section

Question 1

what is the rhythm section essential for

Answer 1

providing the harmonic and rhythmic pulse or feel

Question 2

what do you do when its not specifically indicated what to play

Answer 2

comp

Question 3

what is comping

Answer 3

when the rhythm section compliments an ensemble

Question 4

what is given to indicate a player should comp

Answer 4

slash notation and chords

Question 5

what can be included in slash notation

Answer 5

text and the musical notation to play with the ensemble

Question 6

when a pianist has to play comping accent rhythms with the band it will be where

Answer 6

in the middle of the staff written as a rhythm. not specifying notes to play besides the chords on top of the measure

Question 7

what is voice below lead

Answer 7

its a melody that should be played as the pianists top note.

shown with a line under the note heads

Question 8

what are the 4 points of rhythm notation and lead notes?

Answer 8

1. to limit the range of voicing when comping
2. to highlight or duplicate a melodic line
3. the provide shape to a melodic line
4. to emphasis voice leading in the progression

Question 9

what is the most detailed way a piano part can be written and why?

Answer 9

fully notated

to leave no interpretation for the performer

Question 10

how are the guitar charts written

Answer 10

the same as piano

Question 11

how do you communicate you want the piano or guitar playing for certain sections

Answer 11

write piano only

or guitar only

Question 12

what are the three methods for having the guitar and piano play together?

Answer 12

1. guitar doubles a melodic line
2. fully voice so the ranges compliment each other
3. have guitarist play simple triadic outlines called shell voicings

Question 13

what are the roles of the bass player?

Answer 13

communicate time and groove

dynamic contrast, shaping, and harmonic link for all instruments

Question 14

what is the minimum required for a bass player

Answer 14

slash notation and chord symbols

Question 15

can bass parts involve specified notes?

Answer 15

yes to perform a rhythmic figure and complete harmonic structure

Question 16

can bass parts also be fully notated

Answer 16

yes

Question 17

what do you write when you have a rhythmic figure you want to bass player to repeat around the changes

Answer 17

simile or continue this pattern in a similar style

with slash notation

Question 18

when writing bass parts in swing what are three things to be aware of?

Answer 18

1. arpeggiated lines create angular shape of bass movement that is stylistically correct
2. extensions with arpeggios create a modern and linear feel
3. new chords start with root and are created by inserting passing tones between the roots of each chords

Question 19

what is important to know about the bass’ range

Answer 19

too low is not clear

too high will sound thin

Question 20

primary function of a drum set player

Answer 20

establish and maintain time

also to communicate dynamics throughout the arrangement

Question 21

what does the right foot play

Answer 21

kick drum

Question 22

role of kick drum

Answer 22

style pattern

accents

Question 23

what does the right hand play

Answer 23

stick brush mallet

Question 24

right hand alone plays

Answer 24

time of cymbals

accents on snare/toms

Question 25

what does the left hand play

Answer 25

stick brush mallet

Question 26

what does the left hand play alone

Answer 26

accents on toms/snare | additional embellishment on cymbals

Question 27

What do the left hand and right hand play together

Answer 27

rolls, snare patterns, double handed accents and fills

Question 28

drum set abbreviations

Answer 28

``` snare - sn hi hat - hh cymbal - cym ride - ride cowbell - cb side stick - ss ```

Question 29

what clef is used for drum set parts

Answer 29

neutral clef

Question 30

how are drum set parts beamed

Answer 30

by extremity hands up feet down

Question 31

where is snare located on the staff

Answer 31

C5

Question 32

where are toms located on the staff

Answer 32

E5 D5 and A4

Question 33

where is stepped (foot) hi hat located on the staff

Answer 33

D4 notated with Xs

Question 34

where is stick hi hat located on the staff

Answer 34

G5 notated with Xs

Question 35

where is ride cymbal located on the staff

Answer 35

F5 notated with Xs

Question 36

where is crash cymbal located on the staff

Answer 36

A5 notated Xs

Question 37

what indicates closed HH

Answer 37

+

Question 38

what indicates open HH

Answer 38

o

Question 39

what does a . over a cymbal mean

Answer 39

choke

Question 40

what does slash notation tell a drummer

Answer 40

play time hit drum monkey

Question 41

what are ensemble figures

Answer 41

rhythmic figures written on the third line indicating to the drummer to play them with the band

Question 42

section figures above staff are called what

Answer 42

kicks

Question 43

what are kicks

Answer 43

rhythmic figures to be played with the time pattern

Question 44

how do you notate a specific drum part

Answer 44

same as the bass

Question 45

what does the word fill with a bracket mean

Answer 45

# fill for the length of the bracket play as many notes as possible ensuring the band can no longer feel the pulse then twirl sticks