Chatanooga Choo Choo arrangement
Chattanooga Choo Choo small band arrangement by Bill Fulton was written in 2001 for vocalist Mark Winkler. Fulton scored the arrangement for a compact ensemble featuring tenor saxophone, trumpet and rhythm section. The instrumentation provides the color of a horn arrangement while keeping the band small and flexible.
The project came to Fulton through saxophonist Karolyn Kafer. Fulton prepared this arrangement, along with another chart for the same small-band instrumentation, for a rehearsal with Winkler. Although the project did not develop beyond that rehearsal, the music remains part of Fulton’s professional arranging portfolio.
A Classic Song in a Smaller Ensemble
“Chattanooga Choo Choo” was written by composer Harry Warren and lyricist Mack Gordon. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra recorded the famous 1941 version, which appeared in the film Sun Valley Serenade. The song became one of the best-known titles of the big band era.
Fulton’s version approaches the song with a much smaller instrumental group. Instead of using a full saxophone, trumpet and trombone section, the arrangement concentrates the horn writing into tenor saxophone and trumpet. The rhythm section supplies the harmonic and rhythmic foundation. As a result, the arrangement can retain a strong ensemble identity without requiring the personnel of a traditional big band.
This type of instrumentation can work especially well for singers, club performances and other situations where space or personnel may be limited. Moreover, two contrasting horn colors give the arranger several options. Tenor saxophone can provide warmth and weight, while trumpet can add brilliance and definition. The two instruments can work together in harmony, answer the vocal line or contribute independent figures around the rhythm section.
Bill Fulton Small Band Arranging
The Chattanooga Choo Choo small band arrangement represents one example of Bill Fulton’s work adapting established songs for specific performers and ensembles. Rather than simply reducing a full big band score, small-band writing requires the arranger to decide which musical elements are essential. Each horn therefore carries more responsibility for the character and shape of the arrangement.
Fulton has written arrangements for many ensemble sizes during his career, ranging from compact horn groups to big band, strings and orchestra. Visit the Bill Fulton arranging and composing portfolio to explore additional commissions and arrangements.
For historical background on the original song, see the history of “Chattanooga Choo Choo”.
Project Details
Year: 2001
Arranger: Bill Fulton
Client: Mark Winkler
Instrumentation: Tenor saxophone, trumpet and rhythm section
Ensemble: Small band with horns
Title: Chattanooga Choo Choo
Job Category: Arranger
Title: Chatanooga Choo Choo
Ensemble: small band with horns
Client: Mark Winkler
Description:
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)
