This was arranged for the Lee’s Summit Jazz Orchestra to celebrate a couple of milestone birthdays from our regular fans at our monthly 1909 Club gigs.

It starts ambiguously, as if we’re tuning up for the second set of the night. This gave us a chance to surprise the honored guests.

An up-tempo swing chorus with trumpet mutes and trombones in their stands is followed by a fermata, during which the director or host can introduce the birthday honorees before counting everyone in — band and audience — to sing and play an easy swing chorus of “Happy Birthday to You.”

Enjoy this FREE chart for your band, and let me know if you’re able to celebrate a special fan of your big band.

Tag me on Instagram @dr.shawnharrel if you get a recording of this. Thanks in advance!