Texas Swing
For String Orchestra
By
Howard Rowe
By
Composer Howard Rowe, Jr. is a resident of
Fairport, NY and has earned degrees in music education from Syracuse University
and Ithaca College. Mr. Rowe taught
music at all levels for 32 years in the Rush-Henrietta Central School
System. He is the composer or arranger
of over 70 published works for jazz and concert band, orchestra and various
ensembles. He is the recipient of
several awards including the ASCAP Standards Award and the Rochester
Philharmonic Outstanding Music Educator Award.
Notes from the composer:
Texas Swing is an audience pleasing swing tune in the spirit of such groups as
Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys and Asleep at the Wheel. Remember to keep the swing style of playing
eighth notes in mind throughout the piece.
For teachers, Texas Swing can also provide a teaching
vehicle for improvisation. Listening
skills, the understanding of form, chord structure and progression, intonation
can all be improved through this activity.
Overcoming student fear of playing a “wrong” note is vitally important
when working on improvisation. One
activity I have found helpful is playing through the solo section slowly on
keyboard (supplying just the basic chords) while the students play the
corresponding major scale with a flatted seventh. This provides the student with a supply of “safe notes” and
should encourage a more flowing “linear” approach to constructing a solo. The next step might be encouraging call and
response patterns in two measure sequences between students and between
students and teacher. Remember the
axiom “less is more”. It doesn’t have
to be complex or difficult to sound good.
The section from D to F can be used for improvisation practice by the
group. Just play through this section
while omitting the solo/soli violin I and cello parts, while various
individuals try out their “solo chops”.
You will note that there is a four bar lead-in to the solos. Above all,
have a good time!
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