Take a look at this score. My composer friends think that arranging for SATB Choir, Piano, Flute Choir, and Trumpet is weird. "How in the world could those elements balance? You'd end up with too many high notes and no weight in the bass."
Yeah, I have people in my life who like to see me busy doing things that are out of my comfort zone. I never thought I would write and illustrate children's storybooks. And I never thought that arranging for instruments was something that I ever would or even could do.
I was a singer. And according to most musicians, a soprano is the least musician of all the singers. "All you do is sing melody..." (Hey, I can play the piano, too.) But we don't need to dwell on those criticisms from ages past. Suffice it to say, that I was so busy learning to sing well, that I never thought I'd need to play any band or orchestral instruments.
I was a singer. And according to most musicians, a soprano is the least musician of all the singers. "All you do is sing melody..." (Hey, I can play the piano, too.) But we don't need to dwell on those criticisms from ages past. Suffice it to say, that I was so busy learning to sing well, that I never thought I'd need to play any band or orchestral instruments.
That said, my daughter in Pennsylvania thinks it's fun to keep me busy with extra projects --- most that are out of my comfort zone. In March, she is in charge of a big Choral Concert at Church. Because she also plays with a Flute Choir in the community, she thought it might be nice to invite them to perform, too. They agreed. That means that the two groups will also need a combined number for the big finish. (Again, where exactly do you find a piece for SATB Choir and Flute Choir?)
I already had a choral piece that would work for the choir. It just needed enough added parts for the Flute Choir and a few other instruments that will be performing too. An Easter Anthem Medley for SATB Choir, Flute Ensemble, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, and Piano
I already had a choral piece that would work for the choir. It just needed enough added parts for the Flute Choir and a few other instruments that will be performing too. An Easter Anthem Medley for SATB Choir, Flute Ensemble, Bass Clarinet, Trumpet, and Piano
The Flute Choir usually performs with 20-25 flutes of all varieties --- even contrabass. (Really?! Who has a contrabass? Who even knows what a contrabass looks like? Hint, they are taller than their players!) So after some quick studying about the characteristics of the various flutes, I began writing in earnest. Oh, and I needed to write a little something for a guest trumpet player, too.
My daughter found out that the contrabass flutist can't actually be at the concert. However, we still needed the bass to give some weight and balance to the piece. No problem, they have many players who are band educators and can play other instruments. One lady can play Bass Clarinet, so I transposed the contrabass flute part for her. (Crisis averted! Whew!)
I guess my family members really don't want me to turn into a couch potato...
My daughter found out that the contrabass flutist can't actually be at the concert. However, we still needed the bass to give some weight and balance to the piece. No problem, they have many players who are band educators and can play other instruments. One lady can play Bass Clarinet, so I transposed the contrabass flute part for her. (Crisis averted! Whew!)
I guess my family members really don't want me to turn into a couch potato...
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