Arranging Tips and Secrets, Part 3

In this and the last two blog posts, I share some ideas from my own experience of many years of arranging and orchestrating.  I will end this series by addressing several topics I haven’t covered yet.

The Complete Arranger

A lot more can be said about this subject than I can address in these short blog entries. Of course, there are many books available that delve into the intricacies of arranging and orchestrating, as well as a number of instructional videos on YouTube.  A favorite book which I often recommend is Sammy Nestico’s The Complete Arranger, a very practical volume which includes a CD of examples from the book. 

A temptation for novice arrangers is to include too many ideas in the mix.  A better approach (used even by the old master composers) is to take one or two basic motives and develop them throughout the piece.  A common example would be musical material used for the introduction of an arrangement that is also used in the interludes and/or ending.  

Intros and Endings

The introduction of an arrangement should be intriguing and engaging.  Often the melody of the song will suggest an idea for the intro.  An example would be my arrangement for orchestra titled, He Is Lord/Bless the Lord, O My Soul where I use the first three notes of the “He Is Lord” melody to kick off the intro.

The ending of a piece should be convincing rhythmically and harmonically so that the listener feels a sense of satisfaction.  One of my favorite quotes in this regard is from Derric Johnson, who for many years wrote for Walt Disney World (as well as for numerous church publications).  Derric said that a good ending for an arrangement should elicit either an “Ooo!” or a “Wow!”  

Careful Editing

It’s important to edit your own work carefully, particularly if you’re writing for a situation where you won’t be on hand to supervise the performance.  When I was working on my masters degree, one of the pieces I was to conduct was by the famous British composer, John Rutter.  I wrote Sir John and asked him what, if he could be present for our rehearsals, he would say to the choir about how to interpret his piece.  He wrote back and said simply, “Just follow the directions I have put into the music.”  This told me that he had taken the time to carefully mark the tempo, dynamics, and other musical elements of the score.

Articulations and Bowings

A couple of things in editing are very important.  First, take time to indicate the articulations you have in mind for the notes.  Sometimes just a simple “marcato” or “legato” indication is sufficient, but in cases where more specific articulation is needed, you should include staccato dots, slurs, accents, and the like.  In writing for strings, I like to go ahead and include some bowing markings.  Even though I know the players may alter them, the presence of such markings gives them a general idea of what is desired.  In any case, do not write string bowings the same way you would indicate slurs for wind instruments, e.g., putting one big slur over several measures of music! 

Accidentals

“Courtesy accidentals” can be very helpful to players.  For example, in the key of C, if there’s an F sharp marked in one measure, go ahead and mark an unaltered F in the next bar with a natural sign, just to reassure the player of the correct note.

Sections

When writing for orchestra, we often think in terms of sections.  Generally, I think it’s a good idea to make each section sound complete within itself.  However, you don't have to use all of a section at a time.  For example, if the woodwinds are playing the melody, sometimes it may be helpful to have just one brass player play along for support, or to add more substantial timbre. 

For all the suggestions I can give, and for all that you may learn from reading books and studying scores, the very best learning experience you will have will be in writing a piece and actually having it performed by live musicians – not just played back on your computer!  I encourage you to give it a try, and let me know if I can offer you any assistance!