Musician Spotlight - Thad Jones

Match the following

• the person who plays a special part in front of the band

• arranger

• the person who writes the original music

• composer

• a jazz group of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section

• soloist

• the person who takes music already written and puts it together in a certain way

• big band

Thad Jones would play parts of an arrangement as a ​ (a)   with the big band playing behind him.

• soloist
• arranger
• composer

Answer explanation

A soloist plays in any arrangement with the focus on them for a little bit, while the other instruments back them up.

Thad Jones was an only child (a)  

• Yes
• No

Answer explanation

He was the middle child of three brothers - all of whom became great jazz musicians!

Like many people of his era, Thad Jones became a great musician by joining the ​ (a)   , and playing throughout ​ (b)   .

• U.S. military
• World War II
• The Civil War
• World War I
• Count Basie Orchestra

Answer explanation

Even though the U.S military was still segregated during World War II, Black men and women could find ways to serve their country and playing in a military band was one very creative option.

The person who writes the original music is called the

(a)  

Answer explanation

The person who comes up with the original music is the composer, just like being the writer in ELA or language.

The person who takes already written material and combines instruments to create a musical piece is called an

(a)  

Answer explanation

The person who takes already written music and puts it together in a special way is the arranger. It's like an editor for writing.

Which instruments would you NOT find in a big band?

• saxophones

• trumpets

• trombones

• bassoons

POLL QUESTION: What's your favorite version of "April in Paris? (no points given, because there are no wrong answers)

• the Frank Sinatra version

• Count Basie and his Orchestra

• Alan Núñez and the Shrimp-Shack Shooters

• Charlie Parker and Strings