Custom Music Arranging
Need custom music arranging for marching band, wind ensemble, or orchestra?
Looking for someone to arrange your marching band show music?
Maybe you have a busy schedule that prevents you from writing your own marching band arrangements?
I can help you!
Arranging Experience & Philosophy
I’ve been creating custom music arrangements for a wide range of ensembles and styles for 30 years. I strive to orchestrate my arrangements in a way that will make your ensemble sound great. I rely on decades of experience and a deep knowledge of orchestration and instrumental ranges and colours.
From film soundtracks to avant garde classical music to jazz and rock, I have arranged it all. My clients include high school and university bands and orchestras of every level of ability. I write all music arrangements to your specific instrumentation and ability levels. Visit the Store for a list of previously arranged music for marching band and other types of ensembles…
In general, arranging or transcribing marching band music from a provided score will be less expensive than doing so from a recording (via repeated listenings). It is advisable to provide a full or condensed score, a piano reduction, or a lead sheet whenever possible. Discounts are available if I am also writing your drill design package.
After agreeing on terms, I will send you a “rough draft” of the arrangement or transcription prior to final editing, in order to ensure that the project meets your specifications. Any requested changes after a final edit is approved by the client will necessitate extra fees, depending on the scope of the desired changes.
As an educator, I understand and value the importance of timely communication. I will always respond quickly to your emails and phone calls, and I’ve never failed to deliver a musical project on time.
Custom Arrangements include:
- Full Score in letter (8.5″ x 11″) or tabloid (11″ x 17″) format, depending on instrumentation and ensemble type…
- Complete set of proofed letter-size parts (8.5″ x 11″), including any desired alternate or simplified parts…
- Audio of the music arrangement using NotePerformer and Virtual Drumline sampled audio…
- XML file for your percussion arranger (optional)…
- Click Track audio (optional)…
About Me
My interest in creating custom music arrangements (in particular marching band music) began in high school, working on small projects for my friends and classmates. While an undergraduate student at Florida State University, I happened across the Kent Kennan/Don Grantham text, “Techniques of Orchestration,” reading it cover to cover. The text allowed me to have a more structured approach to arranging, with less guesswork when it came to orchestrating my fledgeling arrangements. In the mid-90s I discovered Finale 3.0. Now I had the capability of working on music projects faster and more precisely than doing so by handwriting score and parts.
Following graduation, I secured my first high school teaching position, and began writing marching band arrangements for my own band, eventually expanding to writing for other bands in the area. When I returned to FSU for my doctoral degree, I began transcribing several orchestral works into the wind band medium, culminating in my doctoral dissertation, which included a transcription of Joseph Schwantner’s “New Morning for the World.”
Since then I’ve continued to arrange, transcribe, and edit music of all genres, for all types of ensembles. Most recently, I’ve transcribed music from Carl Davis’ soundtrack to the silent film “Ben Hur” for a special project with the Austin Peay University Wind Ensemble, edited Johannes Brahms’ “Begräbnisgesang” for performance by the NKU Harmonie and Choir, and continue to write high-quality marching band arrangements for high school and university marching bands across the country and the world.
New Morning for the World
Premiere performance (wind ensemble version)
Copyright & Licensing
All copyright and licensing permissions are the responsibility of the contracting organization (unless the work is in the Public Domain). If you do not wish to deal with securing the required permissions, for an extra fee I can secure the proper permissions through a network of professionals cultivated over many years of involvement in the music world (I will also let you know if I believe there is little chance of being granted permission to arrange). Generally, however, I encourage you to try to secure the rights yourself.
With decades of music arranging experience and a deep love and understanding of orchestration and instrumental colour, I’m dedicated to helping your ensembles sound their best, no matter what genre. Let’s collaborate to bring your musical vision to life!