Greetings;

Over the past few years, I have learned that a a student ensemble performance is heavily based on the strength of their arrangement. A choir may be viewed as spectacular with an arrangement. Or that same choir may be viewed as ordinary with another arrangement.

So my first question is "Does anyone know where I can find some really spectacular band arrangements ? for small or large student bands? "


My next question is "Can anyone hear say what makes one band arrangement spectacular while other is not so great" I read for example on the internet that band leaders are not happy with stock band arrangements. What do you all think is the difference between stock and spectacular band arrangements ?

And if I was to make an arrangement or simply piano and flute - what do you think would make it spectacular versus ordinary?


Thanks in advance.

What type of bands? Hal Leonard do a good wind band series.

I can't say from any technical point of view, but from personal experience, band parts are really boring to play (and listen to!) when the tune and main focus is pinned with the top flute/clarinet/cornet parts.
Some of the best band music I have heard and played have really exploited all of the different sounds which can be achieved by the instruments. A range of thin and thick (I don't think thats the right term......!) scoring always is nice. What I hate most is the Christmas Carol books! Aargh! It's all in constant 4 part harmony and never changes from verse to verse- just goes on and on... our conductor calls it 'sausage machine music!!

We played a piece called Thames Journey and it was great because it gave the instruments that didn't usually have solos to have them like the alto clarinet and the piccolo.

WOW you have alto clarinet!! No way I haven't ever seen one of those in real life!! Those parts always stay in the box!

We had an alto and bass clarinet, also contra bassoon!

Thanks

I've taken away the following points so far

1. Change the texture of the music (dense to open) throughout the song instead of just the same texture throughout (thick and thin as you call it) or 4 part harmony throughout. And let the texture (*if that's the right term ) follow the melody.


2. Give solos to different instruments
and let different instruments get a solo piece (basically a chance to stick their head out) .


Does the hal leonard arrangements have arrantements of this type ? or should i probably just write my own ?

Yes, definitely, a good composer (for wind band anyway) is Nigel Hess. I think you can see what Hal Leonard publish on their website. Why not buy one piece and she whether you like it?