Sectin 3: Chapter 3 Writing For The Rhythm Section

Question 1

________________ is a term used to describe the accompaniment a rhythm section improvises to compliment an ensemble.

Answer 1

Comping

Question 2

When arranging for rhythm sections a composer may use musical notation, text or ______________to describe what needs to be performed.

Answer 2

Slashing

Question 3

T/F When musical notation is provided the rhythm section should continue to performing those figures in until give another rhythmic figure.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What type of notation will indicate to a piano or bass player that comping is required?

Answer 4

Slash notation

Question 5

What two types of methods are represented in the figure below?

Answer 5

Fully Notated and Slash Notation

Question 6

T/F The guitar is notated on the 5 line staff in bass clef.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

With regard to piano and guitar what is represented in the figurebelow?

A.Slash notation

B.Fully notated

C.Comping with accents

D.Comping with accents and voicing

E.None of the above

Answer 7

Comping with accents

Question 8

What type of notation is represented in the figure below?

Answer 8

Comping with accents and lead notes

Question 9

T/F When writing a fully notated bass part chords changes are not required.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

The figure below represents the preferred method for arranging bass parts. What is it?

Answer 10

Comping with accents and lead notes

Question 11

The term __________ is used to direct a performer to continue the pattern in a similar style.

Answer 11

Simili

Question 12

What type of bass part is represented below?

Answer 12

Fully Notated

Question 13

The most important function of the drum set player is_______________.

A.Establish dynamic contrast

B.Being the arrangement

C.Provide fills where directed

D.Establish and maintain time

E.All of the above

Answer 13

D.Establish and maintain time

Question 14

Drum set notation is written on a five line staff with a ____________ clef and time signature.

Answer 14

Neutral

Question 15

Stems require a set player to strike using the feet are ____________ and stems requiring striking by hands are _________.

Answer 15

Down, Up3-

Question 16

With regard to the hi-hat, a ___ symbol requires striking in the open position and a ___ symbol requires striking in a closed position.

Answer 16

+, o

Question 17

What type of drum set notation is represented below?

A.Slash Notation

B.Fully Notated

C.Kicks Over Time

D.Both A and C.

Answer 17

C. Kicks over time

Question 18

Primary accents are written on the _________ line of the staff.

Answer 18

3rd

Question 19

What text should be added/removed if the arranger desires the set player to perform the figure throughout measures 2, 3 and 4?

Answer 19

Add simili in the 2 second measure; remove fill in the 4th measure.

Question 20

_______________ are written in rhythmic note heads and indicate to the set player to stop playing time and perform the figure written.

Answer 20

Primary accents

Question 21

What does a rhytmn section consisit of?

Answer 21

Typically consisting of piano or electrickeyboards, guitar, bass and drums

Question 22

To communicate when a rhythm player should comp, the arranger uses a series of

Answer 22

chords and slashes

Question 23

If something needs to be specifically emphasized when writing for jazz combo on a chart,

Answer 23

an arranger may use musical notation and/or text in conjunction with slash notation.

Question 24

What is the piano’s role in a rhythm section?

Answer 24

The piano’s role in a rhythm section is to provide melodies and harmonies, coupled with bass and rhythmic pulse within an arrangement.

Question 25

What is needed to indicate comping for a piano?

Answer 25

comping and slashing

Question 26

How do you indicate comping with accents?

Answer 26

To indicate comping with accents, use slash notation with the desired rhythmic figures located on the beats where they should be played. These rhythmic figures are annotated by using short slashes in place of the note heads.

Question 27

What makes comping with accents and lead notes differet from just comping with accents?

Answer 27

The exception is that the arranger specifically indicates the lead note of the accent.

Question 28

How do arrangers annotate with comping with accents and lead notes?

Answer 28

Arrangers will annotate this requirement by adding small stem extensions to the note heads. When using this method, the arranger will need to indicate how the line should be voiced (e.g. “voice below lead”).

Question 29

What is the purpose of Comping with Accents and Lead Note:

Answer 29

* To limit the range of the voicing when comping * To highlight or duplicate a melodic or rhythmic idea * To provide shape to a melodic line * To emphasize voice leading in the chord progression

Question 30

What is fully notated in regards to arranging for the rhythm section?

Answer 30

Fully notated is used when an arranger wishes to communicate something very specific, leaving no interpretation for the performer. In these cases, grand staff notation is used to indicate rhythmic figures and chordal structure.

Question 31

Other Purposes of Arranging Fully Notated:

Answer 31

* To double melodic lines * To create color, texture and dynamic support * To perform specific lines with the ensemble * To provide clarity to a phrase * To emphasize and create depth in articulated lines

Question 32

What is the purpose of the guitar in a rhythm section?

Answer 32

The role of guitar in a rhythm section is very similar to the piano and the decisions made with regard to comping are basically the same as well. Just like the piano, the guitar adds clarity and emphasis as a doubling instrument. Due to its percussive nature, the guitar can also add intensity to lines.

Question 33

What are issues with piano vs. guitar when writing for an ensemble?

Answer 33

Piano and guitar comping at the same time can become an issue depending on the experience and frequency that the players perform together.

Question 34

What are strategies used in working with both guitar and piano in a rhythm section?

Answer 34

* Indicate either piano or guitar only * have the guitar double with the horn melodic line * fully voice the combination so the range of the guitar voicings compliments the range of the pianist’s right hand

Question 35

What is shell voicing?

Answer 35

When comping with the piano, guitarists often perform simple triadic outlines of chords, called “shell voicings”. This method keeps the harmony from becoming too dense while allowing extra emphasis on the rhythmic performance of the piano’s right hand.

Question 36

What is the role of a bass in a rhythm section?

Answer 36

The bass in a jazz ensemble serves the crucial role of communicating tempo (or time) and groove to the remaining members of the ensemble. The bass also contributes to the movement, dynamic contrast, and shaping of the music, while serving as a harmonic link between all members of the ensemble.

Question 37

What is this example of

Answer 37

Bass slash notation

Question 38

What is this an example of?

Answer 38

Bass comping with accents and lead notes

Question 39

What are some basic guidelines for writing for bass in a combo?

Answer 39

* Predominantly quarter notes all occurring on the beat. * Arpeggiated lines create an angular shape of the bass movement that are stylistically correct for the swing era. * Use extensions with arpeggiated movement to create a more modern and linear feel to the bass line. * Be aware of the appropriate range of the bass. Voice too low and the sound may not be clear. Voice too high and voicing may sound thin. * New chords will generally start with the root. * Bass lines are generally created by linking the roots of each chord change by passing tones.

Question 40

What does a basic drum kit consist of?

Answer 40

The drum set will generally consist of a kick drum (bass drum), snare drum, tom tom(s), hi hat and cymbals (ride/crash).

Question 41

In a drum set, what instrument does the right foot use and what is that instruments role?

Answer 41

1. Kick Drum 2. Style pattern, Accents (Kicks)

Question 42

On a drum set, what instrument does the left foot use and what is that instruments function?

Answer 42

1. Hi Hat Pedal 2. Style Pattern w/drum sticks on top of his hat and/or pedal.

Question 43

On a drum set, what does the right hand use for what instrument and what is that instruments function?

Answer 43

1. Stick, Brush, Mallet 2. Alone: Time pattern on cymbals, accents on snare/toms. 3. With left: Rolls, snare patterns, double handed accents or fills.

Question 44

On a drum set, what instrument does the left hand use and what is that instruments function?

Answer 44

1. Stick, Brush, Mallet 2. Alone: Accents on snare/toms, additional embellishments on cymbals. 3. With right: Rolls, snare patterns, double handed accents or fills.

Question 45

What is a common drum set abbreviation for a snare drum?

Answer 45

SN

Question 46

What is a common abbreviation for a hi hat on a drum set?

Answer 46

hh

Question 47

What is a common abbreviation for a cymbal on a drum set?

Answer 47

cym

Question 48

What is a common abbreviation for a ride cymbal for a drum set?

Answer 48

ride

Question 49

What is a common abbreviation for a cowbell in drum set notation?

Answer 49

cb

Question 50

What is a common abbreviation for a side stick in drum set notation?

Answer 50

ss

Question 51

What do the green stems and red stems mean?

Answer 51

Red=Hands Green=Feet

Question 52

What does this notation translate to?

Answer 52

Question 53

What does this indicate?

Answer 53

Question 54

What are some guidelines for slash notation with primary accent notation for drum set?

Answer 54

* Primary accents indicate to the drummer to stop playing time and perform the accents written. This does not imply an effect on tempo/rhythmic pulse. * Primary accents create a major dramatic effect and usually require both hands in order to execute properly. * Primary accents are written on the 3rd line of the staff. * Primary accents are written with rhythmic notation (slashed note heads). * Continue slashed notation to denote the resuming of time or write, “Continue Time” above the staff.

Question 55

What are some guidelines for writing slash notation with secondary accents (Kicks)

Answer 55

* Kicks written above the staff communicate that the accent (hit) be played in conjunction with the time pattern. This is known as a “Kick Over Time.” * Kicks are written on the space above the staff.

Question 56

How do you notate a specific groove for drum set?

Answer 56

In order to accomplish this, write the required rhythmic figure for one or two measures, then continue from that point on by using slash notation. The word “simili” also needs to be written at the first slashed measure in order to direct the drummer to continue with the same groove pattern