Wanna Be Startin Something (B.Band)

Michael Jackson’s electrifying "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" burst onto the global music scene in 1982 as a cornerstone track from his monumental album, *Thriller*. This era-defining record not only solidified Jackson's status as the "King of Pop" but also pushed the boundaries of popular music, blending funk, disco, R&B, and rock with an unprecedented level of sophistication and cross-genre appeal. While not traditionally a jazz standard in its original form, its infectious groove, memorable melodic hooks, and sophisticated harmonic underpinnings have made it a compelling canvas for jazz interpretation, much like other pop anthems that have found new life in the big band repertoire. The song's iconic call-and-response vocal lines and driving percussion, particularly the prominent African-inspired chant, are instantly recognizable and evoke a powerful sense of communal energy and rhythmic urgency. Brasilia Big Band’s arrangement of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (B.Band)" transforms this pop masterpiece into a vibrant, high-energy big band chart, reimagining its essence with a driving, up-tempo funk-swing feel. Set primarily in C minor, the arrangement maintains the original’s insistent rhythmic pulse while infusing it with sophisticated jazz harmonies and dynamic big band textures. The mood is exhilarating and celebratory, designed to ignite both performers and audience with its relentless energy and intricate interplay. Brasilia Big Band, known for its innovative interpretations of contemporary material through a modern jazz lens, approaches this piece with a characteristic blend of rhythmic precision, harmonic richness, and powerful ensemble writing. Their signature style often features tightly-voiced brass and saxophone soli sections, unexpected harmonic substitutions, and a keen sense of dynamic contrast, all while respecting the integrity of the original melodic material. This arrangement masterfully distributes the iconic melody across various sections, often featuring the saxophones in unison or harmonized lines, punctuated by powerful brass interjections. There are ample opportunities for featured solos, typically for alto saxophone and trumpet, allowing improvisers to navigate the familiar harmonic landscape with creative freedom. One of the most rewarding aspects of performing this chart is the intricate rhythmic interplay between sections, particularly during the driving funk grooves and the exhilarating shout choruses, which build to a thrilling climax. The technical challenges lie in maintaining the relentless up-tempo feel with precision, navigating the complex rhythmic figures, and executing the tight ensemble articulations, especially in the brass. This chart is ideally suited for advanced high school, collegiate, community, and professional big bands seeking a challenging yet incredibly rewarding piece that bridges the gap between pop familiarity and sophisticated jazz performance. Its blend of rhythmic intensity, harmonic depth, and sheer fun makes it a standout addition to any big band’s repertoire. Conductors should emphasize a consistent, driving up-tempo funk-swing feel from the outset, ensuring the rhythm section lays down a solid, unyielding groove. The tempo marking is approximately quarter note = 132-138 BPM. Key technical challenges include precise ensemble articulation, particularly in the brass sections during the tight rhythmic figures and shout choruses. Encourage saxophones to blend seamlessly during soli passages, focusing on unified phrasing and intonation. Trumpet players will need strong upper register command and endurance. While no special mutes are explicitly required, plunger mutes could be creatively employed during certain brass fills for added texture. Rehearsal time should be dedicated to isolating the intricate rhythmic interplay between the bass, drums, and wind sections, ensuring all parts lock into the core groove. Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts, building energy towards the climactic shout chorus and maintaining intensity throughout. Q: What instruments are included in the "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (B.Band)" arrangement? A: This big band 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, Bass Trombone, Piano, Electric Bass, Drum Set, and Guitar. It also comes with a full conductor score spanning 90 pages. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is considered advanced, suitable for collegiate, advanced high school, community, and professional big bands. It demands strong rhythmic precision, advanced ensemble playing, and features challenging solo sections. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of this arrangement? A: This arrangement transforms Michael Jackson's iconic 1982 pop hit into a high-energy, up-tempo funk-swing big band chart. It blends the original's infectious pop groove with sophisticated jazz harmonies and intricate big band voicings, reflecting a modern jazz interpretation of a classic pop anthem. Q: What makes this Brasilia Big Band arrangement unique? A: Brasilia Big Band's signature approach is evident in the arrangement's driving funk-swing feel, sophisticated harmonic substitutions, and powerful, tightly-voiced soli sections. It features extensive ensemble interplay, challenging rhythmic figures, and dynamic shout choruses that reimagine the original's energy within a contemporary big band context. Q: What is the typical performance duration and recommended tempo for this piece? A: The typical performance duration for "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' (B.Band)" is approximately 4-5 minutes. It is best performed at a driving, up-tempo funk-swing feel, with a recommended tempo range of quarter note = 132-138 BPM to capture its intended energy and excitement.