[Dixielandjazz] Horn placement

[Custode at aol.com]

Normally, we do not use drums with Bourbon Street Brass; horn placement is as 
follows facing the stage: trumpet left, trombone right - the rhythm section 
sets up behind the horns with the guitar/banjo left, and bass/tuba right.

When we do use a drummer, the configuration is slightly different in the 
rhythm section as follows: facing the stage, drums - back left, bass/tuba - 
center, guitar/banjo back right.  The front line horn placement is usually the 
trumpet - left, trombone - right. 

It is my opinion, that the bass/tuba should set up to the left of the 
drummer, so the bass is positioned next to the hi-hat.  The piano or guitar setting 
up to the left of the bass/tuba will allow easier communication and better 
timing.  With this configuration, the front line horns will be able to feel the 
rhythm section in a supporting role, and generally speaking, be in a better 
position to project proper dynamics into the performance.

Lewis D. Custode, Jr., CLU, ChFC
tumpet/leader
Bourbon Street Brass
Buffalo, NY