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 Reviews "Salina" By: Maria Schneider Instrumentation: Big Band Publisher: Kendor Music, Inc. Grade: 2 1/2 Swing = 112 Here's a swing chart from the pen of IAJE 1991 Gil Evens Fellowship Award winner Maria Schneider. As with other charts I have had the pleasure of reviewing by this outstanding writer, "Salina" is yet another excellent original. This time around Maria has produced a minor blues, but with the regular comprehensive high school jazz program in mind. There is nothing too high or tough about this chart. Any high school band in the country can make this chart "happen". "Salina" should be taken at a medium groove, quarter note at 100 as suggested by the composer, and allow the students to "feel" the presence of swing as written by Maria. There is a solid sax unison in the soli style at measure 29. A trumpet solo at measure 43 which can be opened for other instruments at the director's discretion, and a very well-written shout chorus to take the chart to a very hip ending. "Salina" does have it's articulations well marked and must be followed if the chart is to come off the way you want it to. Make sure that you "sit" on the notes marked short at measure 5, as well as all accented notes throughout the piece as suggested by the writer. Also, play the eighth note lines at 74 straight. Don't try to over swing the chart. This gem is very well written and will almost play itself! This original from Maria Schneider is part of the Kendor Konvertible series where the chart will fit many different sized groups including a large combo! Top note for trumpet is written A above the staff for only one quarter note, top note other than this is written G above the staff. Marantz
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