Learn How to Arrange Marching Band Music

1. Learn How to Arrange Marching Band Music

2. Audiences at competitions, parades and athletic events have been attracted by the marching band for long. For both the spectators and the musicians, these are exciting. Often, popular pieces are incorporated by the directors, into the marching band repertoire. You can arrange almost any music for a marching band, although all popular pieces are not available in suitable arrangements, with some time and energy. Preparation For the piece you wish to arrange, obtain sheet music (a hard copy or transcribe it aurally). Identifying the melody and the harmonic progression, analyze the music. Additional elements, such as dynamics, counter-melodies, tempo changes and important rhythms are to be noted while preparing the marching band music arrangements. Instruments you need parts for must be listed. Woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments are generally found to be a part of marching bands. The melodic progression is to be outlined and which instruments will have the harmony, at what point and where it will move next are to be planned.

3. Arranging the Music On staff paper or a computer music program set up the score. The key signature and time signatures are to be notated. It’s turn for the melody and the harmony, to be written. Dynamics and phrasing must be added. Scan the piece, looking for harmonic errors, melodic errors, transposition errors, rhythmic errors and "holes". You can also add the part you forgot to add. Make copies of the music manuscript and save. Based off your score write out individual parts and distribute them to your musicians. Make any corrections necessary while rehearsing. Tips & Warnings To first write out block chords for the harmony and then embellish or "fill in" the chords, might be your preference. Your arranging skills must be refurbished by arranging pieces for tiny ensembles first and then working up to larger ensembles. Ideas and arrangements must be shared with fellow marching band directors. If you still face trouble or run short on time, there are companies like the music productions company Floridathat will arrange music for you at a reasonable payment.