Composing for school ensembles
Composing is something i do nearly everyday, i write a lot of music for kids bands that i am involved in and this is mainly writing tunes within a limited range pitchwise, however i do tend to write syncopated rhythms that challenge them. I usually have a piano in the rooms that i teach in so there is always a minute to scribble down an idea that may or may not come to me. Many of these simple tunes that i write eventually turn into full blown big band arrangements so that means i get lots of mileage out of them. For instance, a simple tune that i write for my beginner band will then evolve into a more progressive arrangement for the Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra, this will then be made even more challenging for the Chethams School Big Band which posesses particularly gifted pupils who can pretty much read and interpret most music. The improvisational parts essentially stay the same because this is the core feeling of the music.
I find many of the student big band arrangements on the market are a little "bitty" ie: not enough solid ensemble playing, so i tend to write block music for student bands as it gives them more confidence to play effectively. I also intentionally write music that can come together fairly quickly as this creates less frustration on the students part and they get a greater sense of fulfillment from the rehearsal process. My arrangements inevitably evolve as the weeks go by, adding bits here and there to create more challenges and keep the music fresh. This can cause some confusion when remembering which bits go where but i feel it is beneficial to include students in the composing and arranging process and prepares them for the flexibilty they need as they progress to music school and inevitably into the "profession".
to be continued....................................