Big Band Composition-Writer's Block on Shout Chorus and Drum Solo

Hey there!

I've been working on composing this tune for a jazz big band. It is a 12 bar blues and I am almost finished with it, I am just struggling with writing a 12 or 24 bar shout chorus followed by an 8 bar drum solo (this is the section in the score that has nothing in it.) If anyone would give me some ideas that would be greatly appreciated! 

Also this is my first big band composition so any positive feedback is very much appreciated!

Hello @AlexL and welcome to the forum!

I think you've got a nice 12-bar blues going here!  I think you don't have to write out solos.  Are you or were you ever in a jazz band?  I never actually played in jazz band so I am not sure if I can help you especially with the shout chorus.  I'm sure there are other pieces you're basing this off of where you've seen/heard shout choruses in them?  If I were making a shout chorus I would make sure to pick cool words/phrases I would want to use and create some rhythmic polyphony between the different voices.  That's as much as I think I can contribute here.  Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for the warm welcome and a response! I am currently playing in a jazz band and have taken inspiration from a few pieces already. I am just nervous that I'm going to take too much inspiration and end up accidentally stealing someone else's work. I'll definitely post any updates I have! Thanks!