| IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP |
| The Mount Dora HIgh School Jazz Workshop explores the art of spontaneous composition known as improvisation. Students can practice their improvisation to the 12 bar blues in B-flat by clicking on the link below. First try playing the root or the third for each chord change. For example, Bb flat instruments such as the Tenor Sax and Bb Trumpet will play: C or E for the first 4 bars F or A for the next 2 bars C or E for the next 2 bars G or B for the next 1 bar F or A for the next 1 bar C or E for the next 2 bars Use different jazz and syncopated rhythms. Remember, rests and space is also part of your solo and can be very effective. Focus on varying your articulation and style. A single pitch with "personality" often makes for a more exciting solo than a bunch of fast notes void of shape and style. If you want to practice in another key, download Van Basco's Karaoke player. This program will allow you to change the key and tempo of the midi file. |
| Click here to download a zipped file of DETENTION BLUES. You can practice your solos along with the soloists on the recording. Try to copy some of the melodic lines that you hear and start to create a personal library of "riffs." |