Definition

Noun: A large musical ensemble, typically associated with jazz or swing music from the 1930s and 1940s, characterized by its substantial size (usually 10 to 25 musicians) and sections of brass, woodwind, and rhythm instruments. It often features arrangements where sections play together, with opportunities for improvised solos by featured lead musicians.

Usage

The term "big band" refers specifically to the ensemble itself. It is used as a countable noun. * It describes the type of group: He plays trumpet in a big band. * It can refer to the genre or style of music: They specialize in big band classics.

Examples

• The big band filled the ballroom with the vibrant sounds of swing.
• She loves listening to recordings of famous big bands like the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
• The festival will feature a 17-piece big band performing modern arrangements.

Advanced Usage

• "Big band era": Refers to the period of peak popularity for this music, roughly from the early 1930s to the late 1940s.
  • My grandparents loved to dance during the big band era.
• "Big band sound": Describes the characteristic rich, full, and powerful texture produced by the ensemble's sections playing in harmony.
  • The arrangement perfectly captures the classic big band sound.

Variants and Related Words

• Big-band (adjective): Used attributively to describe things related to this style.
  • They played a set of big-band standards.
  • The big-band arrangement was very complex.
• Swing band: A closely related term, often used interchangeably with "big band," though it can sometimes emphasize the danceable swing rhythm.

Synonyms

• Orchestra (in a jazz context)
• Swing band
• Jazz orchestra

Related Phrases

• To have a big band: To lead or manage such an ensemble.
  • For years, he had a big band that toured nationally.
• Big band leader: The director or frontperson of a big band.
  • She is both the pianist and the big band leader.

Noun

1. a large dance or jazz band usually featuring improvised solos by lead musicians