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note360 · 02-10-2008, 12:07 AM

I was just wondering if some one could drop me a few tips on this topic of Improv.

I know my theory pretty well. I know what scales to play when most of the time. Basically I know whats going on. My feel is improving steadily and my style is developing and improving daily as I practice.

In my school there are basically 5 soloists that are frequently in on Jazz band solos.

Seniors: They both made SCMEA and one made the All American Jazz band, both are killer soloists and jazz players. I mean there is no competition
Dave - Trombone
Drew - Tenor Sax

Juniors: Killer soloists, but not as good as the above two
Andrew - Alto Sax
James - Trombone

and then
Sophomores:
Me - Trumpet

I am the only trumpet who is willing to improvise and one of the only sophomores who gets a chance to improvise alot. I do it alot and I love it, but I am the weakest link and I end up wiht the msot solos bc wherever a trumpet break is written in I have to take it (not that im complaining).

I both want to and have to improve my ability in this area. I would consider my self a good/decent yet unconsistent soloist. Prefering long streched otu phrases to fast movements shockign octave jumps (mainly for fun) and whatever i feel like. I also frequently use Cup Mutes and Harmon Mutes, the later I stopped using because I was having trouble cutting through the band with it (I have to fix this problem).

The main song I need to work on is Joy of Cookin'. the chord changes are. (with the scales im using in brackets [] )

Solo Break:
B7(b9) [B Diminished Whole Tone]

Main Section x2:
Em9 Gm9 F#m9 Fmaj7

Dorian for all except for the Fmaj7. Each one gets 4 measures.

Its a beastly solo. I can do the main section and often get commented on how shockingly good I am at it (seeing as I came out of nowhere basically). The Solo Break is where I mess up.

Thanks guys. I know this is a monster.

02-10-2008, 12:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
note360 Piano User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: In a room in a house Posts: 267	Getting Better at Improvisation I was just wondering if some one could drop me a few tips on this topic of Improv. I know my theory pretty well. I know what scales to play when most of the time. Basically I know whats going on. My feel is improving steadily and my style is developing and improving daily as I practice. In my school there are basically 5 soloists that are frequently in on Jazz band solos. Seniors: They both made SCMEA and one made the All American Jazz band, both are killer soloists and jazz players. I mean there is no competition Dave - Trombone Drew - Tenor Sax Juniors: Killer soloists, but not as good as the above two Andrew - Alto Sax James - Trombone and then Sophomores: Me - Trumpet I am the only trumpet who is willing to improvise and one of the only sophomores who gets a chance to improvise alot. I do it alot and I love it, but I am the weakest link and I end up wiht the msot solos bc wherever a trumpet break is written in I have to take it (not that im complaining). I both want to and have to improve my ability in this area. I would consider my self a good/decent yet unconsistent soloist. Prefering long streched otu phrases to fast movements shockign octave jumps (mainly for fun) and whatever i feel like. I also frequently use Cup Mutes and Harmon Mutes, the later I stopped using because I was having trouble cutting through the band with it (I have to fix this problem). The main song I need to work on is Joy of Cookin'. the chord changes are. (with the scales im using in brackets [] ) Solo Break: B7(b9) [B Diminished Whole Tone] Main Section x2: Em9 Gm9 F#m9 Fmaj7 Dorian for all except for the Fmaj7. Each one gets 4 measures. Its a beastly solo. I can do the main section and often get commented on how shockingly good I am at it (seeing as I came out of nowhere basically). The Solo Break is where I mess up. Thanks guys. I know this is a monster. __________________ "I'll play it and tell you what it is later." - Miles Davis "Do not fear mistakes. There are none." - Miles Davis Trumpets: TR300 Bach [marching horn] Big Apple Bach Strad (ML) Cornets: 1952 Olds Ambassador L.A Mouthpiece: Curry 5c, Olds 3 (for the cornet atm)