by
12. May 2009 08:05
Tags: Music Arranging, Music Ensemble, Music Career, Drill Composition, Music, Composition
It's Okay - Really! by Scott Hicky/Arranger
Over the past few years, people has been asking me about how writing arrangements for marching band became my career. In fact it all started decades ago with one man, a band director names Les Susi who asked me ( a fledgling director) to write a one - minute Beatles arrangement for his marching band.
While my education background, an undergraduate minor in composition and a graduate major in music theory, prepared me to entertain such an notion. My fear of failure was in reality than my education could supplant. My answer to Les was "OK- I 'll give it a try!". As good fortune would have it, the arrangement worked well enough to sound feasible and recognizable, and my infant writing career saw it's beginnings.
Years later I saw Les at a music convention. Haven forgotten that initial tunes title, I asked Les, one of the finest teaches that I have ever known, if he remembered. His reply was immediate, "That's easy". He said, " It was "hello goodbye". Once again, Les had impressed as he always did.
The reason for this diatribe is simple: Most high school directors believe they can write a drill for their band, regardless of it's quality or how long it takes them. When it comes to arranging music, they would rather ride in a New York city cab at rush hour. And to a certain degree they would be correct. Why?Because they have never tried. Their exist to set oneself up for failure is an act of shear insanity.
If you choose not to try, (which is O.K.) then it is important for you to know how to talk with an arranger while picking the music in which you band will spend the July through November time frame. You believe the arranger has all of the answers. While we have few, we can use the directors assistance.
Music Selection
For example, if your band's wind complement is smaller than 50 members, you choice of music may directly dictate it's ability to succeed. Whatever this means to you. The "1812 Oveture" may possibly be out of their reach both in volume consideration and endurance. My suggestion to directors is to choose a music genre with which he or she feels comfortable. Let's face it. You spend at least quarter of your calendar year playing these tunes you might as well enjoy it. Because if you do, so will your kids.
Tempo
There is nothing more deadly than a tempo of 108 beats per minute for two plus minutes. Hands - n- the-blender time! Yet we choose tunes because we like them. A lively Opener, a lover ballad, (we can play musically), and energized closer always seems to fit the bill for a tempo standpoint. But a quick suggestion, a ballad does not necessarily mean slow, mearly soft. Just keep temp in mind from the get go and you should be fine.
Program Flow
How do the selections you have chosen flow as a total package? Does variety exist throughout the program? Ebb and Flow? Nuance? The gamitt of emotions? Study the repretoire segment of any judges sheet, then ask questions. My suggestion is that we entertain our audience (judges are also considered part of the audience), then consider the artistic endeavor as a supportive role. Challenge your kids, but don't destroy them in the process.
These are but three items to consider while discussing your show with an arranger. Instrumentation, strength and weakness, solos, ensemble, special moments, ranges-and this is merely the beginning. Regardless of the size of your band, a qualified wind arranger (and percussion arranger as well) will help customize the best package for your band's particular needs. Every band is different and unique - treat your band with proper care and feeding.
My final statement is a plea to all band directors, regardless of your situation. Please obey all copy right laws. Get the information you need, then follow through on the information. While I am not an attourney, I can't represent the law. But all composers deserve to earn a living and we have the responsibility to help them. Good luck in all that you do, you have the best of America's future in your hand.