Arrangement Help?

• Dec 10, 2024 - 22:03

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for help creating an arrangement of "Moanin'" by the Mingus Big Band for the following instrumentation:

Bari Sax
French Horn
Trombone
Tuba
Trumpet
Drums
Alto Sax
Euphonium
I don’t yet have the skills to arrange music myself, so I’m hoping someone here might be willing to take on this project. I would be incredibly grateful for any assistance or advice!

If you’re interested, please feel free to reach out to me at derrrich@proton.me. Let me know if you have any questions or need more details about what I’m envisioning.

Thank you so much for considering this request!

Best regards,
Derrick


Comments

Hi there, Derrick!
I think that this is a very ambitious project!
It is like saying I'd like to write my first book - I want it to
be like "WAR AND PEACE" - but only longer!!
I'd suggest that you begin by writing some simple exercises.
Try some easy songs - Folk songs - Children's songs (etc.)
It is valuable to hear everything you write, then you will know
how it sounds. Develop a friendly relationship with a small band.
Take your arrangements along and hear them played.
Ask for their opinions and try adopting their suggestions.
1. Try writing for just two instruments.
Eg: Trumpet and Trombone. OR Alto and Tenor Sax.
2. Then try three Instruments:
Trumpet, Trombone and Bass Trombone. OR Alto, Ten and Bari Sax.
3. Then four Instruments. There are standard ways to arrange
for several Instruments. Learn them. Experiment!
4. Get someone to comment on your arrangements.
5. Write a simple 16 bar song for four or five instruments.
6. Put the chord symbols above the system so you know what
the chords should be . It could be helpful to write in Concert C
(all transposing Instruments written in the same key) You can
transpose them for the parts when you are happy with
the arrangement.
7. See if you can find an experienced arranger to help you.
8. Look on line for some lessons on basic arranging.
9. Check out your local Music Library for any useful books.
10. You might be able to find an arranger who will be willing to
show you how to begin an arrangement and get you going!

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