For quite some time the need to have \u201cflex\u201d arrangements was the domain of the small bands with limited instrumentation. Now, however, enter 2020 and Covid-19. With many schools being forced into online learning or greatly reduced class sizes or even losing their rehearsal space so other classes can more easily \u201csocial distance\u201d, the need for flex arrangements is becoming increasingly necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you call them \u201cflex arrangements\u201d, \u201cadaptive band creations\u201d, “adaptable arrangements\u201d or any other terms imaginable they all mean pretty much the same thing – you can play these titles without complete instrumentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the big differences that I see now, however, is that many composers or publishers are taking some of their more challenging works and adapting them. So we are finding titles that fit in the grades 4 and higher in flexible arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some questions and answers from Frank Ticheli probably explain some of this better than I could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: As bands re-form this Summer and Fall, many schools may, for social distancing reasons, dramatically limit the number of players. Frank Ticheli is arranging certain of his works so they can be played by any number of players, starting with four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Ticheli has kept the original music of his works, but orchestrated the music into just 4 voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Not necessarily. It\u2019s more versatile than that. Read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Every instrument has four possible parts from which to play, from Voice 1 (\u201csoprano\u201d) down to Voice 4 (\u201cbass\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Yes, that would work fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Yes, you can do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Absolutely. (And you don\u2019t necessarily need to have Clarinet playing the top voice \u2014 you could have Alto Sax there instead.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Yes, that too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Yes, any combination of any instruments. 4 Tubas. 2 Trombones and 2 Tubas. 2 Flutes and 2 Clarinets. 2 Horns and 2 Trombones. You name it, the parts are there to do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Let\u2019s say you have 8 instruments in the room. You can experiment and try different combinations of which instrument or instruments plays which voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Answer: Yes, there is no licensing fee to do so (synchronization license is gratis and automatic).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bandworld sent out a request for information about \u201cflex\u201d arrangements in connection with the Top 100 Project and here is the information that we received. This may not be a complete listing of everything \u201cflex\u201d, but it should get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aaron Perrine<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Boston Brass<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bravo Brain Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cait Nishimura Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Brass<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n FJH Music Company<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Grand Mesa Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hal Leonard (Grade 2<\/a>)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hal Leonard (Grade 3)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jennifer Jolley Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Manhattan Beach<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Meechan Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Daugherty Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Murphy Music Press<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Musica Propria<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Osti Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Print Music Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Randall Standridge Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Steven Bryant Publishing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n