Welcome to Harrow School

Swing Band

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The Swing Band has an extensive repertoire, covering all the great bands from Ellington and Basie to Miller and Dorsey, as well as a wide selection of Latin, rock and modern arrangements.

The line-up is that of a typical big band, with saxophones, trombones, trumpets and rhythm section. With no doubling of parts, each boy has to have 100% commitment to the Band and its ensemble playing.

With at least one major concert each term, lasting about one hour, the Band has to prepare around forty titles per year. The Swing Band maintains a high standard of music-making and develops pupils’ aural, ensemble and improvisational skills.

Titles covered recently include:

  • Jack The Bear (Ellington) - featuring the double bass
  • Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (Mingus) - featuring the lead alto sax
  • Corcovado (Jobim) - featuring the first tenor sax
  • Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Raye/Prince) - featuring the trumpet section
  • I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (Dorsey) - featuring the lead trombone
  • Spain (Corea) - featuring the rhythm section
  • Moondance (Morrison) - featuring vocalist