Sample Mp3

This song came about after listening to a good deal of Reggae, most of which was in a minor tonality. Bluewater is a street name in my neighborhood and the title of the song rhythmically matches the Lead part at letter B. It was written for the beginning band at Vanderbilt University.

Pedagogical Points/Performance Notes-

The Dbl 2nd and Guitar parts at A & B are typical for rhythm guitarists in the Reggae genre. Find a few good examples to play for your students. Obviously, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and many others are good sources for stylistic study.

Make sure the Guitar arpeggio in measures 20 and 24, and the 2nds part in measure 22 are heard. These are small "features" for those sections.

Letter C has a challenging melody for beginning Lead & Dbl Tenor players since it's not based on arpeggios and/or scales. The Bass, Guitar, and 2nd pans are creating a keyboard-type "pad" and should sound like a piano. Roll speed can be discussed since the entire band (except bass pans) rolls at some point at letter C. Generally, the smaller the note the faster the roll. Larger notes require less hand speed.

Letter C should be lighter and more laid-back and a bit of a down section in preparation for letter D. Let it flow and float!

Letter D gives your band a chance to rock out a bit! Everyone is rocking the same rhythm so it should be fun and exciting. Your beginning students will learn how multiple endings work. Letter D can also be treated as an Open section where the drummer or percussionist can solo over the ostinato of the band.

Drum Chart- is more for navigational purposes. Help your drummer research some straight 8th note Reggae grooves.

Key G minor.

I hope your band enjoys learning this song! -Mat

Difficulty: Easy (great for beginning junior high, high school and college steel bands)

Instrumentation: tenor/double tenor(can be played on 2nds)/double seconds/guitar-cello/bass/drum set/engine room

ITEM ID : SDMB-011