"In The Mood"

[tptptp]

I guess this question goes in the jazz forum.
I'm playing in a big band for a July 4th concert, and "In the Mood" is in the line-up.
I remember a story about the Bb in the intro:
Supposedly, there was a band where the trumpet players would drape a dollar bill over their stands. If one of them missed the Bb, he would get the money, because he would be out of a job, and would need the cab fare to get home.
Anybody heard this story? Is it just a joke or legend, or truth?
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Craig Mitchell

[Seymor B Fudd]

I´ve played In the mood n times and and there was always the expectation the section would miss the Bb; coming to think about this also the Bb which starts off the Pennsylvania 6500....same expectations...
But I never heard the stories you speak of.
Even more tricky is the "stop" later on in the In the mood, immediately after the trumpets play dat do da da dat dodaa". You will have to count 2, 3 4, 1,2 3 4 etc. Our drummer missed this so many times that the entire trumpet section began singing 2-3-4 -1-2-3-4 1-2-3 bang....
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Cornets: mp 143D3/ DW Ultra 1,5 C
Getzen 300 series
Yamaha YCRD2330II
Yamaha YCR6330II
Getzen Eterna Eb
Trumpets:
Yamaha 6335 RC Schilke 14B
King Super 20 Symphony DB (1970)
Selmer Eb/D trumpet (1974)

[GeorgeB]

I myself have never had trouble with the Bb, at the start or later, but others in the section have. I really don't know why. Perhaps because I played it hundreds of times at teen dances with my 5 piece combo back in the 50's. One thing I do know is that proper timing was always a nightmare. Not my favorite piece to play.

I also never heard of that story the OP referred to.
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GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet

[hose]

Many times in many bands in a dress rehearsal before a gig where In the Mood was programed the MD would say "no need to rehearse In The Mood. We've all played it. Turn it over." The outcome at the gig was predictable.
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Dave Wisner

Picketts
Yamaha 6335RC
Yamaha 8335RS
Lawler Flugel
Kanstul cornet

[THE BD]

That's near the top of the list of songs I never want to play again.

Not because I miss parts but it has been played to DEATH and I am tired of it! The dollar bill story is pretty cool though, never heard that one before!
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Martin D Williams

Yeah, I did that!

[zaferis]

Missed notes happen.. I just wish more bands took care with ITM and other standards, to play them with good time, consistent style, and with more careful intent. Saxes don't drag, trumpets don't rush, bass not SO loud, swing = Miller not Basie, etc....

"turn it over, we don't need to rehearse this 'cause everyone knows it" is the mantra of the mediocre.
Ever heard "turn it over" in an orchestra.. Beethoven's 3rd, we all know it, no need to rehearse...

I sub with a band that has a home grown arrangement of ITM, that has different harmonies/notes which I think are incorrect.. but the leader swears by the arrangement..
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Freelance Performer/Educator
Adjunct Professor
Bach Trumpet Endorsing Artist
Retired Air Force Bandsman

[tptptp]

Well, we played it last night. One missed Bb out of the two unison tries...I won't say who! We didn't do the dollar bill thing.
I love the piece, and so do the listeners. You have to play it with precision, though.
It's full of happy chords (6ths), as is most of the music of that era. The country needed happy chords then. Still does.
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Craig Mitchell

[Ed Kennedy]

Danny Stiles had an arrangement of it titled: "Not Tonight , Honey, I Have a Headache."

[cheiden]

[Robert P]