Swing Music

Swing Music was developed in the 1920’s by Benny Goodman. Swing music was far more organised than jazz that had come before. Swing music, like Ragtime started in dance halls. Music became popular with white people – White Man’s Jazz. Swing was the pop music of its day and was in the charts up until the 1970’s.

Swing Music Music is highly organised. The parts for musicians are written out. While there is improvisation, it is more controlled. There are many Question and Answer sections. Swing music used a large ensemble of musicians known as a Big Band.

Melody Instruments The saxophones are often the main melody instrument. The brass often support the saxophones and Answer the melody of the saxophones. There is usually only one solo instrument at a time. There is often a singer in Swing music, Ella Fitzgerald and Bill Halliday are amongst the most famous of singers from Swing music.

Instruments of a Big Band Melody Section: Saxophones: 2 Alto saxophones, 2 tenors and one baritone Brass: 4 Trumpets and 3 Trombones Rhythm Section: Double Bass, Drums and Piano.

Benny Goodman Responsible for developing Swing style. Was referred to as the Band Leader The Band Leader organised the Swing orchestra, wrote the parts and led the performance. The Band leader would be the most important instrument player of the Swing band and take many of the solo’s. Listen to Two for Tea

Glenn Miller Most famous of all Swing Musicians. Wrote pieces such as In the Mood and American Patrol. Glenn Miller died in a plane crash at the height of his popularity. Listen to In The Mood

Writing Swing Music developed in the 1920’s. Music was written for new dances such as the Jitterbug. Band usually named after the band leader. There are between musicians in a Swing Band Swing Band usually has a melody section including 7 brass instruments, 5 saxophones and rhythm section including Double Bass, drums, piano and/or guitar.