I Get A Kick Out Of You (B.May-T.Dorsey)

Cole Porter's timeless classic, "I Get A Kick Out Of You," first graced the stage in 1934 as a highlight of the Broadway musical *Anything Goes*, though it was originally penned for the unproduced 1931 musical *Star Dust*. This enduring jazz standard quickly became synonymous with the golden age of American musical theater, propelled to fame by the iconic Ethel Merman, who introduced it in *Anything Goes*. Its sophisticated lyrics, renowned for Porter's witty wordplay and mastery of interior rhyme, explore a playful disillusionment with life's common thrills, ultimately finding excitement only in a beloved individual. The song's enduring appeal lies in its elegant melody and clever narrative, making it a cornerstone of the Great American Songbook and a favorite among jazz vocalists and instrumentalists alike, with notable interpretations by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mel Tormé. This big band arrangement, credited to B.May-T.Dorsey, captures the vibrant energy and refined swing of the era, presenting "I Get A Kick Out Of You" as a medium swing chart in a bright, engaging tempo. The arrangement is likely influenced by the classic big band sound of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, known for its blend of smooth dance tunes and hot swing, as well as its precise ensemble work and lush arrangements. Expect a rich harmonic palette, characteristic of the swing era, featuring extended harmonies and sophisticated voicings that give the ensemble a full, polished sound. The musical character evokes a sense of joyful exuberance and romantic charm, perfectly suited for a concert opener or a featured dance number. The B.May-T.Dorsey treatment is designed to showcase the full dynamic range of a 17-instrument big band. The melody is artfully distributed, often featuring a lead alto saxophone or trumpet, with subsequent sections presenting intricate soli passages that highlight the saxophone and brass sections in turn. A standout feature is the potential for a powerful shout chorus, building to a climactic full-ensemble statement that exemplifies the grandeur of big band jazz. While specific solo sections are at the discretion of the conductor, the arrangement provides ample space for improvisation over the familiar chord changes, offering a rewarding challenge for advanced soloists. Technical challenges include precise articulation in fast swing passages, maintaining blend and balance within complex voicings, and executing dynamic contrasts effectively. The overall effect is a highly satisfying and authentic big band experience, rewarding musicians with its musical depth and audiences with its infectious swing. This arrangement is ideally suited for college, community, and professional big bands. Its detailed scoring and harmonic sophistication require musicians with solid sight-reading skills and an understanding of jazz idiom. High school bands with advanced players and a dedicated director could also tackle this chart, as it offers invaluable experience in performing authentic swing-era material. The 64-page conductor score provides comprehensive guidance, ensuring a cohesive and polished performance. The blend of historical reverence and energetic arrangement makes this a compelling addition to any big band's repertoire, offering both educational value and pure musical enjoyment. Conductors should aim for a bright medium swing tempo, approximately quarter note = 130-140 BPM, emphasizing a light, buoyant feel rather than a heavy swing. Articulation is paramount; ensure crisp brass attacks and legato phrasing in sustained saxophone lines, particularly during soli sections. Pay close attention to dynamic markings, as the arrangement relies on nuanced contrasts to build excitement, especially leading into and out of the shout chorus. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to balancing the intricate voicings, ensuring that inner parts are heard without overpowering the lead lines. The rhythm section should establish a solid, consistent groove, with the bass and drums locking in a classic swing pattern, and the piano and guitar providing tasteful comping that supports the ensemble. Encourage soloists to embrace the melodic and harmonic language of Cole Porter, allowing their improvisations to complement the arrangement's sophisticated character. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this arrangement? A: This arrangement includes parts for 17 instruments: Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Trumpet 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Trombone 4, Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar. It also comes with a comprehensive conductor score. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced intermediate to advanced. It requires solid instrumental technique, strong sight-reading abilities, and an understanding of jazz ensemble dynamics and phrasing, making it suitable for college, community, and professional big bands. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "I Get A Kick Out Of You"? A: "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is a classic jazz standard from the Great American Songbook, composed by Cole Porter in 1934 for the Broadway musical *Anything Goes*. It embodies the sophisticated and witty musical style of the 1930s swing era. Q: What makes this B.May-T.Dorsey arrangement unique? A: This arrangement is distinguished by its authentic big band sound, sophisticated voicings, and potential for dynamic shout choruses, reflecting the classic swing era style. It provides a full, rich texture across the 17 instruments, offering both ensemble challenges and rewarding musical moments. Q: What is the typical performance duration or tempo for this piece? A: The arrangement is designed as a bright medium swing, typically performed at a tempo of approximately 130-140 beats per minute. The exact duration will vary slightly depending on the inclusion and length of improvised solos.