Do You Hear the People Play? Les Miserables Arrangements for Band Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Spring Concert season is upon us and our upcoming concert band posts will feature arrangements perfect for spring programming – pop, rock, jazz, movies, and television. What better way to start than with the Oscar Award-winning Les Miserables!
Featuring some of the most well-known songs to come from Broadway in the last couple of decades, Les Miserables is more operetta than musical. Boasting a 16-year original run with over 6,600 performances and winning multiple Tony Awards, Les Miserables has found a whole new audience with the 2012 feature film starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe! There are a number of fantastic concert band medleys and individual arrangements of familiar songs from the show allowing them to be introduced to bands of all levels. The show is also touring via Broadway Across America, and will be running at Columbus’ Ohio Theatre May 14-19.
Bring Him Home
arr. John Moss Grade 2
The striking, sensitive ballad from the ever-popular Les Miserables enjoys renewed popularity with the 2012 feature film. John Moss’ arrangement is perfect for ensemble playing within developing bands.
I Dreamed a Dream
arr. Robert Longfield Grade 1.5
The beautiful, well-known ballad from Les Miserables has enjoyed ongoing popularity thanks to the long-running musical, Susan Boyle’s unexpectedly stunning rendition, Glee, and the 2012 film. Robert Longfield’s adept arrangement makes this popular work accessible to very young players.
I Dreamed a Dream
arr. Michael Brown Grade 3
Michael Brown’s arrangement of the popular ballad is sure to be a showstopper featuring solo vocalist, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, or F horn.
Les Miserables
arr. Johnnie Vinson Grade 3
Ideal for high school spring concerts or community bands, Johnnie Vinson’s solid, yet accessible arrangement features some of the most memorable songs from this popular, long-running musical including: At the End of the Day, I Dreamed a Dream, Master of the House, Do You Hear the People Sing?, and On My Own.
Music from Les Miserables
arr. Michael Sweeney Grade 2
Several of the most well-known songs from this popular show are arranged with well-paced transitions for developing bands by Michael Sweeney: Work Song, I Dreamed a Dream, Master of the House, and Do You Hear the People Sing?.
Selections from Les Miserables
arr. Warren Barker Grade 4
Long the ‘go-to’ arrangement for high school and community bands, Warren Barker’s masterful medley captures the depth and power of the original music. Includes: At the End of the Day, I Dreamed a Dream, Master of the House, On My Own, and Do You Hear the People Sing?.