PRE Computer age PRO-Musicians of any kind really had their instrument down pat, NO alternatives like we have today....if you wanted to play YOU had to learn, practice your butt off, & strive to be the best.
Faking wasn't an option like today, you had to pull your own weight. One of my Music Teachers from the High School Orchestra I played Alto Sax & Tympani/Percussion would single out EACH player At Random to play his or her parts SOLO in front of the band just to make sure you knew your parts perfect & to also cut out cheaters, it really kept you on you toes for sure.


ON another note watch some of these Big Band clips and Listen to each player, this in turn will let you be more knowledgeable and a better Arranger Player also because in reality that is what you are doing while you play an arranger KB.....you HAVE TO know how to play every instrument the right way with your styles in order to be accurately believable within each instruments abilities. This is where many make such terrible choices and might play a trumpet like a piano or an oboe like a guitar, it is imperative that your right hand knows what to do be it a SOLO melody or Accompaniment chords to you left hand to back up lead vocals or a mix of moth at times also.....herein lies the real secrets of being a great arranger player versus a mediocre one. Keep watching & Keep learning it never stops.

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 05-12-2008).]