Benny Goodman was the "King of Swing," credited with popularizing swing jazz for the broader American population. He was one of the few white...

Benny Goodman was the "King of Swing," credited with popularizing swing jazz for the broader American population. He was one of the few white bandleaders regarded as "hot" by black jazz musicians. He was also the first white bandleader to cross the "color line" and hire black musicians. In this discussion topic we'll hear the Benny Goodman Orchestra performing live at Carnegie Hall—a momentous occasion in itself..

Listen to Swingtime in the Rockies performed by The Benny Goodman Orchestra, and consider the following questions:

1. Identify the form of this piece. The first chorus, which contains the melody, begins at the beginning and ends at 00:28. Use letters to designate the sections of this chorus.
2. Which section of the band plays the melody? Does this change? Does a different section of the band play any part of the melody during this first chorus?
3. The melody of this piece is a good demonstration of call-and-response. Which section is calling and which section responding during this first chorus? Listen to how the reeds and the brass play off each other.
4. Listen to the second chorus. How is the second chorus different from the first?
5. Now listen to the entire piece. Is the melody played at the end of the piece? How does the piece end?