We practice to internalize the external.
Maybe we should work to externalize the internal.
(as inspired by Hal Galper)
“John Cage says that
improvisors think they are being free,
when they actually make choices that appeal to them,
that they know.
This is not the way to find the new.”
choreographer Bill T. Jones
The 3 Essential Questions for Arrangers:
Why?
What?
How?
Why?
Marching Band?
- functional
- arrangements are brief
- 90 sec-2 min
- Lot’s of opportunity for unison writing in cheers
Your band?
- Ability of band members
- Music availability
- Music function
- Build connections with your audience
- Speaking of connections!
- Across departments and across communities
- Connect with your team, cheerleaders, dance team, your audience, athletics audience…
- Across departments and across communities
- Why not?
Improve the Game Day Experience
- Pre-game concert
- Pre-game show
- Stands tunes
- Time outs
- cheers
- Halftime Show
- Alma Mater / Post game show
What?
Let’s talk about copyright
If you would like to arrange a copyrighted work, you must obtain a “right to adapt or arrange”. If a published arrangement of a work already exists, you’ll be expected to purchase it and obtain a “right to adopt”.
Typically, the right to arrange will cost $150+.
The Public Domain!
How?
The production and presentation
“The Medium is the Message”
Marshall McLuhan
Nothing makes you an arranger more than your ability to create music that looks good and gives your students clear directions. When you write it the way you want it played, you will save time and gain clarity. Use music writing software.
And if you don’t believe me…
Arranging for the Indiana University Marching Hundred
Arranging for Yale marching band
“80 percent of life is showing up”
Woody Allen
If 80 percent of life is showing up, then 80 percent of arranging is assuring that you get clean parts to your ensemble!
How does your score look?
“It’s Better to Look Good Than to Feel Good”
Fernando Lamas/Billy Crystal
When learning how to use a music writing program, transcribe, don’t arrange. Or work on cheers or warm-ups.
Soul Man arranged by Paul Martha
The 3 Levels of Arranging
- Transcriber
- Arranger
- Composer
Transcribing
- That unison trumpet call!
- That bass (sousa) line!
- The woodwind response
- The trombones
- That bass drum!
Arranging
Have you tried using a lead sheet?
What I did this summer….
Where do I begin?
- Hire an arranger!
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my group?
- How should parts be divided?
- When should I double?
- Question:
- What published arrangements does your group play well and why?
The answer to your “how” question is probably in your library!
“Go To the School of Thad Jones”
Don Owens, Northwestern University
Thad Jones – Big Dipper Score
https://youtu.be/6x0KYmI6aB0
Include some original material!
Bang Bang percussion arranged by Mark Carman
LetMeClearMyThroat percussion arranged by Mark Carman
Prime Starter Material
Those sol-mi cheers!
- What they teach us
- How they unite us