B-flat Blues Progression Jazz Band Warm-Up

B-flat Blues Progression Jazz Band Warm-Up

Please take a moment to watch this overview video!

This is a swing-based warm-up I use with my jazz band every day.

• Focuses on learning the harmonic structure of a typical 12-bar blues progression, rather than just a “blues scale“
• Focuses on establishing a solid groove for your rhythm section. Rhythm section players have a choice of a simple or more challenging part based on skill level.
• Wind players all have four lines, which outlined all the chord tones within each chord, building from the root up to seventh by the time you get to Line four.
• Different instrument sections can be assigned a different line, and multiple lines can be played simultaneously to create layering.
• This can be used as a routine practice tool for teaching improvisation and memorizing the typical blues chord progression.

The zip file includes:

• 1-page pdf parts for each instrument
• Short worksheet for a small lesson/listening activity (with answer key)
• Worksheet for writing out chord tones in another key if desired
• Basic possible improv scales outside of the “blues scale” on a score-type handout sheet.
• Two MP3 backing tracks at different tempos for kids to use to practice with, or in the absence of rhythm section players in class.

Accommodations:

• An alternate page of the tuba part for playing the bass lines.
• An alternate page for a baritone sax player to play the bass lines.
• Optional Flute and French horn pages are included.
• The trumpet page can be also used on clarinet.
• The guitar part includes chord symbols and tabs for the chords.
• All wind players' parts have chord symbols above each measure.

Related Products:

Band Assessment Master

C-Bossa Jazz Band Warm-Up

Terms of use:

All products in the ultimate Band Room store may not be shared or given to other band teachers or band programs. The purchaser of this teaching product or resource may create copies for their own students or their instrumental program as needed. The purchaser may continue to use the product at a different school if they change jobs to another school instrumental program in the future.