[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] Re: Arranging & "having it upstairs"
Hi Jud...
That's loaded question that will probably get various answers from different
arrangers. Beside the basic rules for all arrangements such as strong
voicings, colors, doubling etc. I have a few of simple guidelines that
I follow.
1.) Audience appeal
(Pick material that you know your audience will like)
2.) Don't fall in love with every note you write.
(Do not overwrite and learn to delete.
3.) Throw away arrangements that you are not happy with and that will not
go over with the audience or the musicians that will be playing it. It's
not worth keeping them.
4.) Write interesting music for every player in the band including 2nd
cornets, 2nd horn and 2nd baritone. (Give them GOOD parts) Repiano too !!!
5.) Use your imagination to the fullest. (this is part of "upstairs")
Everytime I do an arrangement I ask myself if I have done my best regarding
these important factors.
I was lucky enough to study with Erik Leidzen many years ago. He
recommended that a new student arranger take a piece of music they liked and
change the tune, and chords but use the same format.... interludes, key
changes, length of intro & ending etc. as a layout or template. It will
come out differently but will give the student a better grasp of arranging,
much quicker. I regard Erik Leidzen as a master arranger. I believe this
works for the beginner.
I hope some of you remember or know who Erik Leidzen was.
This should help Judith.
By the way is Brian still doing the band?
If he is... pass on my regards
Mark Freeh
--
NJH Sheet Music, bandsman.co.uk/music.htm,
Prima Arts, quality music for quality bands, www.prima-arts.co.uk,
Toot-Sweet, instrument repairers, www.toot-sweet.co.uk,
this list, send a plain text mail to listproc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx with the following
body (not subject):