Arranging and Composing

s eptember 26, 2020

The first one, was in college. Requirement, for a class. Marching band arrangement. “Get Back.” Inspired. I wrote it fast.

The McNeese Band, performed it. That, was very thrilling. Never considered, writing more. Until, I started teaching.

I found arranging, useful. Familiar songs, I knew. But also tunes, the crowd adored. As arranging skills, grew.

“Your Cheating Heart.” The fans loved. “Matilda,” was a standard. Helped win over, small Cajun town. Picking right songs, mattered.

But also, did some pop tunes. Keeping, students happy. “Close Encounters,” “Sweet Caroline.” Was fun, for them and me.

The marching contest, specials. “Black Saddle,” set the pace. “Onward Christian Soldier” paired with, touching “Amazing Grace.”

“My Favorite Things.” Stretched me. For students, challenging. “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” Pumped up. “Silly Love Songs.” Pleasing.

Fourth Quarter Jam. Tradition. A wide variety. Played on and on and on, non-stop. The right tunes, were the key.

Clapton’s version, of “Cocaine.” And then, “Bad Company.” From funky sounds, to driving drums. “You Dropped the Bomb on Me.”

During this time, did not write. Anything, that was new. Did not compose. I just arranged. The music, people knew.

That changed. After a decade. Left, marching band scene. Became, middle school director. Where concert band, was king.

I struggled, to find music. To put, upon the stage. Publications, were too easy. Or too tough, for the age.

Solution, was within me. I switched, to composing. Series of songs, that entertained. Supplemented, teaching.

My compositions, were filled, with skills, students would need. First writings, taught all the basics. A pathway, to succeed.

“The Colt Suite.” Got them started. Using, fundamentals. Had melodies, built around scales. Rhythms, and intervals.

The four movements, used four keys. Containing, sharps and flats. Made everyone, think and adjust. At no time, could relax.

Next work, was the “Mustang Suite.” It’s movements, more advanced. Mixed meter. Difficult techniques. Through these tunes, skills enhanced.

Though writing, focused on teaching. Included, artistry. Enjoyed, building that balance in. Sparked, creativity

My music, helped my bands to win. Awards, and high ratings. Blend of skills, and musicianship. Performances, revealing.

These compositions, purchased. “Sueta Publications.” Became part, of young band series. Utilized, across nation.

Arranging and composing. Was something, that evolved. Emerging, out of job’s demands. Musical problems, solved.

The process, sort of happened. It really, was not planned. But grew, to be a special thing. For each one, of my bands.

Arranging and composing.

Was something, that evolved.

Emerging, out of job’s demands.

Musical problems, solved.