Banana Boat Song — Big Band Arrangement by J.Warrington

EnsembleBig Band
ArrangerJ.Warrington
ComposerHarry Belafonte
InstrumentationAlto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Rhythm Section
StyleLatin
Score & PartsIndividual parts only (no conductor score). 1 separate part
Pages32 pages
Price$29.99

About This Arrangement

The "Banana Boat Song" big band arrangement by J. Warrington brings a calypso classic to the jazz ensemble stage, offering a lively and danceable feel. This chart captures the infectious energy of the original, making it a fun piece for both musicians and audiences. It's a great choice for bands looking to add a unique, upbeat number with a distinct Caribbean flavor to their repertoire.

This download includes 32 pages of individual instrument parts in a single PDF. No conductor score is included. You'll have all the necessary parts to get your band playing this arrangement right away.

Originally popularized by Harry Belafonte, the "Banana Boat Song" (Day-O) is an enduring folk song from Jamaica. This arrangement provides a solid framework for a big band to explore a different rhythmic and melodic landscape, moving beyond typical swing tunes. It's a crowd-pleaser that can inject a fresh vibe into any performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What instruments are included in this arrangement of "Banana Boat Song"?
This big band arrangement includes parts for 2 Alto Saxes, 2 Tenor Saxes, Baritone Sax, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums. It provides a full complement for a standard big band instrumentation, ensuring a rich and complete sound for this calypso classic.
What is the difficulty level of this "Banana Boat Song" chart?
This arrangement of "Banana Boat Song" is suitable for intermediate to advanced big bands. While the calypso groove is infectious, the parts are well-written and offer engaging musical lines for all sections. It's a fun and accessible chart that still provides a good challenge.
Does this download include a full conductor score?
No, this download does not include a full conductor score. This purchase provides all the individual instrument parts only. Band leaders will need to conduct from the individual parts or prepare a score separately if desired.
What style or genre is this "Banana Boat Song" arrangement?
This arrangement of "Banana Boat Song" falls into the Latin style, specifically drawing from calypso and Caribbean influences. It's an upbeat and rhythmic piece, perfect for adding a different flavor to a big band's repertoire beyond traditional swing or blues numbers.
How many pages are included in the download for "Banana Boat Song"?
This download for "Banana Boat Song" contains 32 pages in total. These pages comprise all the individual instrument parts necessary for a full big band performance. You will receive a single PDF file containing all these parts.

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