First Place for Jazz
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Rhythm Section Spotlights

Spotlights are instrument specific exercises that help with individual technique. All of these exercises are taken from the tunes and include audio examples. For students in private study, the Spotlights can be used for individual technical practice. In the jazz ensembles, they can be assigned by the director.

It is important to remember that all of the rhythm section books include all of the JAZZ STARTERS in addition to the Spotlight exercises.

Guitar Spotlights

Guitar spotlights include basic information on chord voicings (using fingerboard diagrams) and how to interpret different kinds of guitar notation. The examples below are taken from two different tunes.
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Piano Spotlights

All of the piano voicings are written out in First Place for Jazz. The Piano Spotlights include practice playing the written piano voicings and also an introduction to basic chord construction and comping techniques. Practice playing "As Is" passages is also included.
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Bass Spotlights

All of the bass lines are written out in First Place for Jazz. The Bass Spotlights include fingerings for all notes included in the bass part, as well as an introduction to bass line construction.
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Drums Spotlights

Drums Spotlights focus on groove creation and practice, playing different styles, and interpreting band figures and fills.
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Auxiliary Percussion Spotlights

Auxiliary Percussion is included for every tune, using instruments and parts that are idiomatic to the musical style of the chart. The Auxiliary Percussion Spotlights include practice and technique exercises as well as tips for interpreting parts.
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Vibes Spotlights

Vibes play a dual role in First Place for Jazz. The vibes doubles melody, but also can serve as a comping instrument during the solo sections. Only two mallets are necessary, even for the comping. All of the comping voicings are written out.
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FIRST PLACE FOR JAZZ is a trademark of Kjos Music Press All written, audio, and video examples are © ℗ Kjos Music Press and used with permission. Unauthorized usage is strictly prohibited.