Can jazz orchestras eventually learn a piece of music even if they have no notes or absolutely more below!!?

Question

The piece of music I have is from the year of 1939 and is from a movie, the three minute tune has no name but is merely a musical jazzy variation. If I have no notes to give to an orchestra can the conductor find out ways to actually play the piece regardless of having no notes. There is video footage of the band playing however so that might help.

Answer 1

Depends how good they are. Whilst many jazz musicians can play by ear, many intermediate players can't, especially not if they are classically trained.

A good starting point would be to ask one of the most skilled players in the orchestra to work out the chord structure. This will narrow down the choice of notes for each part.

Answer 2

Yes. Most Jazz musicians are skilled at playing by ear, so someone would be able to transcribe the parts into sheet music. It would be a lot of work, but it is possible.

It also depends on the size of the orchestra. A large orchestra with a full big band would be harder to work out than a smaller group with only a few instruments.

It is also highly unlikely that the piece is not an actual song, or at least not based on another song. Most jazz songs are from the Great American songbook, or are just standards. Sometimes these chords are given new melodies, but it would still be the same chords and song structure.

Good Luck!