The Shiek Of Araby (B.May)

"The Shiek Of Araby," composed by Ted Snyder in 1921, emerged as a Tin Pan Alley sensation, capitalizing on the immense popularity of Rudolph Valentino's silent film, *The Sheik*. This tune quickly transcended its initial pop appeal, becoming a beloved jazz standard, particularly among early New Orleans jazz bands. Its enduring charm lies in its catchy melody and a harmonic structure that proved fertile ground for improvisation, making it a staple in jazz repertoire for decades. The song's cultural footprint was significant, even earning a mention in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, *The Great Gatsby*. B.May's big band arrangement of this enduring standard captures the energetic spirit of a medium-up swing, set in the bright key of B-flat major. The arrangement immediately establishes a vibrant, driving mood, evoking the classic big band era with a contemporary edge. It features B.May's characteristic blend of sophisticated voicings and dynamic contrasts, ensuring a lively and engaging performance. The piece maintains a consistently exhilarating energy, designed to captivate audiences with its infectious rhythm and compelling melodic development. B.May's distinctive arranging style shines through in this treatment. Known for a meticulous approach to brass writing and often incorporating "swooping" saxophone riffs, B.May crafts an arrangement that is both historically informed and refreshingly modern. Expect lush saxophone soli sections that highlight the section's blend and agility, punctuated by powerful brass figures. The arrangement features prominent solo opportunities, with the melody initially presented by the saxophone section before transitioning to a featured trumpet solo, followed by an improvised tenor saxophone solo over expertly crafted ensemble backgrounds. A climactic shout chorus builds to an exhilarating finish, showcasing the full power and precision of the big band. This arrangement is ideally suited for college and advanced high school jazz ensembles, as well as community and professional big bands seeking a challenging yet highly rewarding addition to their repertoire. While technically demanding in sections, particularly for lead trumpet and the improvising soloists, the clear articulation and dynamic markings, coupled with a well-structured form, make it an excellent vehicle for developing ensemble cohesion and individual musicianship. The interplay between sections and the opportunities for expressive improvisation make this piece a standout performance experience. Conductors should aim for a consistent medium-up swing feel, around 180-200 BPM, ensuring a light yet driving rhythmic pulse from the rhythm section. Pay close attention to the articulation markings, particularly the short, crisp brass hits and the smooth, connected lines in the saxophone soli sections. Lead trumpet will encounter a written E6, which can be taken down an octave if necessary, but should be approached with confidence and strong air support. The improvised solos (tenor saxophone and trumpet) should be encouraged to explore the harmonic landscape with creativity, supported by dynamic and responsive ensemble backgrounds that are present but never overpowering. Rehearsal time should focus on balancing the call-and-response passages between brass and woodwinds, ensuring clarity and precision in each phrase. **Q: What instruments are included in this arrangement?** A: This big band arrangement is scored for 17 instruments, including 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, Guitar, and Drums. The full score spans 44 pages. **Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement?** A: This arrangement is considered medium-difficult to advanced. It presents technical challenges for lead players, particularly in the brass section, and requires proficient improvisational skills from the featured soloists. It is well-suited for experienced high school, college, community, and professional jazz ensembles. **Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "The Shiek Of Araby"?** A: "The Shiek Of Araby" is a classic jazz standard originating from the Tin Pan Alley era, composed by Ted Snyder in 1921. It gained popularity as a response to the Rudolph Valentino film *The Sheik* and quickly became a favorite among early jazz bands, particularly in New Orleans, for its lively melody and improvisational potential. **Q: What makes B.May's arrangement of "The Shiek Of Araby" unique?** A: B.May's arrangement infuses this classic standard with a vibrant, medium-up swing feel, showcasing the arranger's signature style of sophisticated voicings, dynamic brass writing, and "swooping" saxophone riffs. It features compelling soli sections, clear melodic statements, and ample space for improvisation, culminating in a powerful shout chorus that highlights the full ensemble. **Q: What is the approximate performance duration and recommended tempo for this piece?** A: While specific duration can vary with improvisation, a typical performance of this arrangement would be approximately 3-4 minutes. The recommended tempo is a medium-up swing, ideally between 180 and 200 beats per minute, to capture the intended energetic and driving feel.