Edition: Jazz Big Band Arrangement

Description: Rock - Medium

Publisher: Walrus Music Publishing

Note from the composer:
As a band leader who is tasked with putting together the program/set list/concert I've always felt the need for charts that fill a certain gap in programming. We all like to open and close our set with a "barn burner." We also try to insert a ballad toward the middle of the set to change it up. This leaves "the gap" in our program that really needs to be filled with charts that are NOT necessarily burners or ballads but rather medium to "up" tempo charts that engage the audience in such a way as to create interest as well as deliver big applause!

I've discovered that a well-crafted "story" creates a context for the music that allows the listener to engage in the piece and clearly be able to visualize the "story" as the music unfolds. I also believe that if the "story" contains a little humor, it becomes even more effective and engaging.

This, then is my reasoning for providing you with a solid story to be told prior to playing "Supreme Commander of the Universe.”

The Story:
When my first grandchild was born, I was immediately surprised when people started asking me, “What do you want your grandchildren to call you?” Evidently, that’s “a thing.” There are many possible answers that include, “pop pop”, “grandpa”, “papa”, “gramps”, etc.

After about the 5th or 6th person had asked me that question, I began to get put out with the whole idea. Finally, I’d had enough and when the very next person asked me what I wanted my grandchildren to call me, and without thinking, I responded immediately with, “I would like my grandchildren to call me “The Supreme Commander of the Universe As We Know It!”

I’m now three grandchildren in and my taking the title of Supreme Commander of the Universe has become family tradition. Unfortunately, none of my three grandchildren have been able to say it, so I’m stuck with “Papa” and “Grampa” depending on which one is talking to me!

Notes For The Director:
Written guitar solo using distortion followed by your two best saxes playing a solo each then trading 4s.

Having a good lead trumpet who can comfortably play double “G’s” is a definite plus BUT taking those sections down an octave won’t hurt the overall sound of the chart.

Full Score
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set