Classical Repertoire for Flexible Instrumentation Thursday, March 25, 2021
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Allegretto (from Symphony #7) by Ludwig van Beethoven/arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 2-3
From Beethoven’s seventh symphony, this movement is one of the master’s most recognizable and performed themes. Featured in the Oscar-winning film “The King’s Speech,” here is a skilled and effective version with flexible instrumentation, perfect for small or inexperienced groups.
Habanera (from Carmen) by Georges Bizet/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 2.5
This classic spicy Spanish theme is an excellent rhythmic contrast piece that is familiar to all. Teaching concepts include chromatic scales, melody vs. accompaniment playing, and extreme dynamics. All players get to play melody. Cues are written throughout for easy adaptation for all size bands. Optional parts for guitar, piano, bass and percussion will round out the sound of your band. Give your students exposure to this great Romantic melody.
Hallelujah Chorus by G.F. Handel/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3.5
Probably one of the best known pieces of music in the history of the world, this Scott Stanton version for the Barnhouse Build-A-Band Series allows groups with severe instrumentation issues or very small groups to perform it and sound terrific. Pitched in Bb, it closely follows the original and is playable with any instrumentation as long as you have the four main parts covered by the instruments or your choice. Includes optional piano, guitar, and percussion parts. Perfect for any Christmas or holiday concert!
Hornpipe (from Water Music) by G.F. Handel/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
One of the most memorable themes in all of classical music history is captured in Scott Stanton’s new arrangement for the Build-A-Band Series. Will sound great with very small group and unusual instrumentations and includes optional guitar, piano and percussion parts which can further enhance the sound.
Hungarian Dance #5 by Johannes Brahms/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
The unique sounds of this popular classic are transformed into a very useful selection for groups with small or unusual instrumentations. From the inventive Build-A-Band Series, it is playable with any instrumentation as long as the four main parts are covered. Optional parts are included for Piano/Keyboard, Strings, Guitar, Mallet Keyboards and Percussion that can add to the charm of the performance when used. The many tempo and style changes from the original make this a wonderful teaching tool.
The Magic of Mozart arr. Ed Huckeby, Grade 3.5
A unique collection of great Mozart themes made playable for bands with limited or less than ideal instrumentation. From the opening theme of the “Magic Flute” to the rousing conclusion of the famous “Symphony #40 in G Minor,” this lively, yet very playable, arrangement will keep your audience engaged and give your performers a real sense of accomplishment.
Nimrod (from Enigma Variations) by Edward Elgar/arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 2.5
This adagio movement from the “Enigma Variations” provides an excellent opportunity for developing bands to work on tone, blend, intonation, and dynamics. Jay Bocook’s arrangement is designed for smaller bands and features flexible scoring options to fit most any ensemble.
Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
Your band will sound BIG on this setting of “Ode To Joy” scored especially for bands with limited or unbalanced instrumentation. As conductor, you get to create a unique band sound using the strengths of your instrumentation and following the suggested flexible interplay between sections. All players will appreciate that they get to share the melodic spotlight. Optional parts for guitar, piano, bass and percussion can be utilized to fill in the band using the Build-A-Band format. This flexible system of scoring really works! A good choice for a massed band of elementary, middle and high school musicians. First class!
Pictures at an Exhibition by Modeste Moussorgsky/arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2-3
Even using the reduced instrumentation inherent in the Flex-Band format, Michael brings the power and excitement of the original in this authentic-sounding arrangement for inexperienced players. Includes: “Promenade,” “The Hut of Baba Yaga,” and “The Great Gate of Kiev.”
Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
Now even very small bands or bands with severe instrumentation issues can give an inspiring performance of this classic piece for any graduation ceremony. Includes several options for repeats so that you can make it just the right length for any situation. Guaranteed to sound great as long as you have the four basic parts covered and also includes optional percussion and keyboard parts that can enhance it even further.
Renaissance Suite by Tielman Susato/arr. James Curnow, Grade 2-3
James Curnow’s “Renaissance Suite” for full band continues to be a popular choice for contest and festival. Here is a version carefully adapted for flexible instrumentation that features these distinctive 16th-century dances by Susato. I. Las Mourisque (Basse Danse), II. Mille regretz (Pavane), and III. La bataille (Pavane).
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin/arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Gershwin’s landmark work brought elements of jazz to the symphonic stage. Featuring the main themes from this masterpiece here is a well-paced and effective setting for flexible instrumentation.
Rondeau by Jean-Joseph Mouret/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
Jean-Joseph Mouret’s famous baroque classic has now been made playable by very small bands by Scott Stanton’s new Build-A-Band arrangement. This classic music will come alive as long has you have the four essential parts covered. Optional percussion, guitar and keyboard parts can add to the overall effect. Best known as the theme for “Masterpiece Theatre,” it is sure to be a favorite of students and audiences alike!
Themes from 1812 Overture by P.I. Tchaikovsky/arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
This well-scored arrangement opens with the slow chorale-like theme from the beginning of the original overture. From there it builds to the familiar dynamic strains and powerful conclusion.
William Tell Overture (Finale) by Gioacchino Rossini/arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3.5
One of the most popular classical themes of all times has been skillfully arranged for the “Build-A-Band” Series by Scott Stanton.
No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, and hockey (especially the Penguins).