Section 4: Chapter 3 Understanding a Rhythm Section

Question 1

T/F In order to rehearse in an effective manner, the unit leader should focus on the wind player. The rhythm section will then follow the groove they establish.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Auxiliary percussion instruments, such as shakers, and other non-pitched percussion perform what function? A. Add to the ethnic feel. B. Enhance the style and groove. C. Complete missing harmonic structure. D. BothAandB.

Answer 2

D. Both A and B. A. Add to the ethnic feel. B. Enhance the style and groove.

Question 3

T/F Note for note parts are frequently written for the rhythm section.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

When the piano or guitar parts are not written note for note in a rhythm section, the player must ________. A. Perform the part by comping. B. Transcribe from the lead trumpet part. C. Tacet D. None of the above.

Answer 4

A. Perform the part by comping.

Question 5

The most important responsibility of the rhythm section is _________ and _______.

Answer 5

Time and Groove

Question 6

_______________ the unit of the beat is essential in keeping the ensemble together. A. Properly voicing B. Adding strong accents on 2 and 4 C. Subdividing D. Both A and C

Answer 6

C. Subdividing

Question 7

Most issues that arise during rehearsals in a rhythm section can be attributed to __________ problems.

Answer 7

Time and groove

Question 8

T/F When comping, the piano should assume to play all chords on every beat.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

To promote accuracy in time and groove, the bass should be staged next to the __________. A. Lead trumpet. B. Drum set, next to the ride cymbal. C. In front of the piano. D. Seated next to the guitar. E. None of the above.

Answer 9

B. Drum set, next to the ride cymbal.

Question 10

T/F In order to maximize communication within the rhythm section, ensure all the member in the section can see each other and the unit leader.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

Walking bass lines with a gradual rise and fall are stylistically correct in _________.

Answer 11

Swing

Question 12

T/F Strong on the beat kicks, hits, and fills from the drum set will help wind players accurately perform off the beat entrances.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Both the unit leader and the instrumentalist need to have knowledge of the following six concepts:

Answer 13

1. Chord symbols
2. Voice motion
3. Slash and rhythmic notation
4. Styles (Swing, Shuffle, Rock, Samba, Funk, Ballads, etc.)
5. Musical form
6. Time and groove

Question 14

The basic rhythm section consists of what?

Answer 14

Keyboard

Bass

Guitar

Drum Set

Question 15

What does mallet percussion perform in a rhythm section when used?

Answer 15

melodic lines, support harmonic structure, and perform solos.

Question 16

What is a keyboard instrumentalist role in a rhythm section?

Answer 16

1. Enhances rhythm with harmony.
2. Capable of performing as a soloist.
3. Provides comping under soloists.
4. Must not clash with the comping technique being used by the guitar player.
5. Simple rhythms that are stylistically correct work the best.
6. Not every chord on every beat needs to be played.
7. Voicings on repeated chords will often be changed to create harmonic interest.
8. Harmonic structure and smooth voice motion are essential. a. Available tensions and non-harmonic movement are commonly applied.

Question 17

When a new piece of music is introducted in a rhythm section, what should the unit leader do?

Answer 17

When a new piece is introduced, a short verbal explanation of the composition is very helpful and appropriate. This may include historical background of the composition, information about the composer, and the music’s style and form. From there, it is imperative that the unit leader’s count offs be reflective of what has been explained.

Question 18

What are some consequences of performing at inappropriate dynamic levels in a rhythm section?

Answer 18

Performing at inappropriate dynamic levels will likely result in poor time and style.

Question 19

What is a guitar’s role in a rhythm section?

Answer 19

1. Enhances stylistic feel via rhythmic harmony.
2. Capable of performing as a soloist.
3. Provides comping under soloists.
4. Performance of single melodic lines with other sections is common.
5. Must not clash with the comping technique being used by the piano player.
6. Utilization of simplistic rhythms that are stylistically appropriate are effective.
7. The use of signal processing equipment is necessary to support the various styles.
8. Harmonic structure and smooth voice motion are essential. a. Available tensions and non-harmonic movement are commonly applied.

Question 20

What is a Bassist role in a rhythm section?

Answer 20

1. Foundation of both rhythm and harmony.
2. Maintaining a steady tempo is the most important function. 3. Works in conjunction with the drum set with regard to steady tempo and appropriate feel.
   a. Ensure that the unit of beat and divided beat are synchronized with the hi- hat and/or ride cymbal. b. Listen to the snare or kick drum for hits and accents.
3. Smooth voice motion is a must. a. The bass lines should be able to stand alone melodically and harmonically.
   b. Bass lines should rhythmically compliment the remainder of the section.
4. Performing the root of the chords is essential.
   a. The root is well utilized when performed on the downbeat of each chord change.
   b. May consider the use of other chord tones.
   c. Available tensions and non-harmonic tones are frequently used to link chords.
5. Walking bass lines are stylistically correct for swing.

Question 21

What is a drum set’s role in a wind ensemble?

Answer 21

1. Primary role: Steady tempo and a stylistically appropriate feel.
2. The drum set has the greatest impact on dynamics.3.Uses preps, kicks, and hits to:
   a. Set up an ensemble or section entrance.b.Reinforce ensemble figures including accents.4.

In swing, performance of the ride cymbal is critical.

5. Snare and kick drum are essential for accents.
6. On the beat kicks with snare and kick drum will help wind players perform off thebeat entrances strong and with confidence.

Question 22

What is auxiliary percussion’s role in a rhythm section?

Answer 22

1. Choice of instruments need to compliment with the style or ethnicity of the music.
2. The drum set and bass are the references in maintaining time.
3. Performing short repeated rhythms should be used.

Question 23

What is the setup for a rhythm section?

Answer 23

1. No member needs to move to the extremes to see another.
2. From the drum set, all members can be seen. All members can see the drumset player.
3. The bass is positioned next to the Hi-hat. This will promote accuracy withtempo and style.
4. The piano can see the bass.
5. The piano can see the guitar and vice versa. This is most effective comping.
6. The guitar positions the chair in such a way that minimal movement is required to make visual contact with the drum set and bass.
7. A small space is left for a soloist. This works exceeding well for a jazz combosetting.
8. Auxiliary percussion is placed near the drum set player, near the hi-hat.