Some years ago, I came across a series by Peter Blair entitled Jumpstart First Concert, which is a collection of beginning folk songs and originals arranged for beginning band using a theme and variations format. I was able to purchase a set for my school; they work extremely well for Beginning Band! This was the impetus for writing my own arrangements that use this type of format. Thank you for the inspiration Mr. Blair!
If you teach Beginning Band, you might be interested in the arrangements that I've written over the years.
My arrangements feature:
• 6- or 7-note scale in Bb major (ti, Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol and La)
• Written in a “theme and variations” format. Rhythmic variations follow with simple, appropriate harmonies.
• 36 - 48 measures long, usually 3 to 5 choruses of the tune.
• All the instruments get to play the melody at some point in the song (often in the first chorus) following a short introduction.
Instrumentation is as follows:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone/Baritone/Electric Bass
Tuba
Percussion
The percussion parts basically mirror the wind parts. I generally add other percussion instruments for performance. Students should be instructed to use the following rule for choosing which part to play on their instrument: tambourine & woodblock = play the snare part; cymbals, triangle = play the bass drum part. Effective muting techniques should be instructed for cymbals and triangle to eliminate bleeding into the rests. An Orchestra Bell part is not included - students should use the Flute part to play Bells.
Good luck and have fun! If you have time, I would appreciate feedback regarding these arrangements. Email me and let me know how these arrangements work for your band. Also, check the website periodically for new instructional materials, as I am always writing new stuff to help improve the experience of my students in band.
Here are some samples that don't require encryption codes to view:
Closet Key Sample
Sleep Baby Sample
The purchaser of these PDF documents is granted the right to photocopy the music for the purpose of instruction and performance by the beginning concert band at his/her school. Sale or other distribution of this PDF document (and its encryption code) or printed copies of the music is strictly forbidden and protected under copyright law.
Once you buy it, you can legally print HOWEVER MANY COPIES YOU NEED for YOUR BAND! Just don't sell or distribute the arrangement or the encryption code. This is a WAY BETTER DEAL than buying a stock arrangement for $40 - $50 and receiving only a certain number of parts with the arrangement.
The PDF files below are password encrypted. If you want to view, print, and use them for your band, you may purchase them below by clicking the “Add to Cart” button below each arrangement. You will be taken to PayPal.com where you can pay for the arrangement by credit card or through your PayPal account. I will follow up within 48 hours with the password for the requested arrangement(s).
You and/or your school DO NOT need a PayPal account to purchase these -- most schools have a credit card that they can use to purchase this for you using PayPal; just talk to your administrator or financial coordinator about how this needs to be handled. OR, if it's easier for you, you can print and fill out an Order Form HERE. I accept school Purchase Orders.
EACH ARRANGEMENT IS ONLY $10.00!!
AlphaBaaBaaTwinklePackage
Check out the Movie Score for Alpha Baa Baa Twinkle Song on YouTube!
At Pierrot's DoorPackage
Here is a live (audio) performance of At Pierrots Door
Check out the Movie Score for At Pierrot's Door on YouTube!
ByeBabyBuntingPackage
Check out the Movie Score for Bye Baby Bunting on YouTube!
Camptown Races
Check out the Movie Score for Camptown Races on YouTube!
I Have Lost My Closet Key
Check out the Movie Score for I Have Lost My Closet Key on YouTube!
LondonBridgePackage
Check out the Movie Score for London Bridge on YouTube!
OatsPeasBeansPackage
Check out the Movie Score for Oats Peas Beans on YouTube!
Old Moldy BunsPackage
Check out the Movie Score for Old Moldy Buns on YouTube!
Sleep Baby Sleep
Check out the Movie Score for Sleep Baby Sleep on YouTube!