Tommy Dorsey

The Continental

This arrangement of The Continental is not a transcription. It has been engraved from a set of original TD band parts. Other than the addition of dynamics and articulations, the only change we have made is to adapt the Trombones to a full section, rather than 3 plus TD's solo line. This chart was arguably one of the finest arrangements that Bill Finegan ever wrote. It is brim full of musical ideas, tonal colour and dynamic contrast. It is a very challenging chart, needing great precision, balance and control from all sections of the band. There are a number of doubles required in the reeds: Alto 1 on Piccolo (or Flute), Alto 2 and Tenor 1 on Clarinet plus Baritone on Alto. The brass ranges are high too, with Trumpet 1 to high F#, Trumpet 2 to high F, Trumpet 3 to C and Trombone 1 to high Db. Nonetheless, if your band has the talent to master this chart it will be hugely rewarding to play.