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A Brief Introduction
I arranged my first marching band show in 2006. It was actually before then, but I definitely don't count the scribbles from my high school days (though I learned a LOT from those scribbles..). I've been doing this for a while and have arranged/written over 30 complete shows at this point. I really enjoy the energy in marching band music. I think it can be a great medium for expression. I also really enjoy how much marching band contributes to the atmosphere of a football game. And let's be honest, the best part of a parade is when a band marches by! |
First Things First - Warm-Ups!
Here's a couple sets of warm-ups I've cooked up over the years. Nothing spectacular, but they do the trick. I've covered all the bases for a solid hornline warm-up. I've gotten word from a good many people that they're getting some use. I've also included some chorales for good measure.
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Repertoire - Tunes I've Arranged in the past
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Classical Literature
Adagio for Strings - Barber Anitra's Dance - Grieg Baccanale - Saint Saens Carol of the Bells Claire de Lune - Debussy Danse Macabre - Saint Saens Doxology (original arrangement based off the melody) Farandole - Bizet March to the Scaffold (Symphony Fantastique) - Berlioz Moonlight Sonata - Beethoven Morning - Grieg Nutcracker (various selections) - Tchaikovsky New World Symphony Mvt #4 - Dvorak Ode to Joy (a contemporary take on it) Symphony #5 (slow movement) - Tchaikovsky Symphony #9 - Beethoven Toy Symphony - L. Mozart/Haydn? one of those guys.. |
Pop/Rock Tunes
25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago Brick House - Commodores Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne Moondance - Van Morrison Papa's Got a Brand New Bag - James Brown Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO River Flows in You - Yiruma Rock and Roll All Nite - Kiss Some Nights - Fun. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond |
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Band/Choir Tunes
As All the Heavens Were a Bell - Jay Bocook Joy - Joseph Curiale Rain - Brian Balmages Rest - Frank Ticheli Salvation is Created - Tschesnokoff |
Film Scores/Musicals
Caspar - James Horner Edward Scissorhands - Danny Elfman Garden of Magic (from Hocus Pocus - really cool tune!) King Kong - James Newton Howard Music of the Night - Andrew Lloyd Webber Nightmare Before Christmas - Danny Elfman Zorro - James Horner |
Holiday Mash-Up
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I can't exactly remember where the idea for this tune came from. I originally did a grade 2(ish) piece that had even more tunes crammed in. I would make it a game with the audience to see if they could name all of the tunes. I like to use this one for parades, but it probably works better as a standstill. If you're into theatrics, you can really play up the "fight" between Jingle Bells and Good King Wenceslas in the middle. The tune gets quite raucous and can be a lot of fun! |
