[78-L] Choral key question

[Julian Vein]

On 20/12/13 01:52, JD wrote:
> Adhering to the standard keys applies primarily to faking bands, small 
> groups, society bands, etc. mainly as an organizational tool. Female 
> vocalists will almost always have to sing in a key more suited to 
> their range. With written arragngements, assuming good musicians, 
> anything goes. The Dorsey & Les Brown bands often played charts 
> written in more exotic keys and Harry James' opening solo on his mega 
> hit of 1942 "I Had the Craziest Dream" was played in the key of E. 
> That's six sharps or enharmonically six flats for trumpets, tenor 
> saxes & clarinets, D-flat for altos & baritone sax. The reason James 
> chose that key is because that tune in that key lays very comfortably 
> on the trumpet. I played it on gigs in that key also and for the very 
> same reason. It had nothing to do with key color or anything exotic. 
> Peace! JD
==================================
I have always been curious about when we burst into spontaneous song, 
how do we choose which note to start on? Two songs come to mind which 
present problems are "Memories of You" and "Dancing in the Dark" which, 
if you start too high, you're gonna run into trouble!

      Julian Vein