News & Views Thursday, May 16, 2024

Orchestra Pop Flexible Fixes Monday, March 01, 2021

Please your pop people and ignore your instrumentation issues – play any of these flexible fixes with any selection of woodwinds, brass, and string instruments.

recommended by Megan W., Orchestra Specialist

Music from Aladdin arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 3
One of Disney’s most popular and enduring animated films, “Aladdin” was released in 1992 and followed by the live action version in 2019. This fast-paced medley of familiar songs includes “Arabian Nights,” “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali,” and “A Whole New World.”

The Avengers arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 3
Composed for the first Avengers movie in 2012, this dramatic theme has returned in all the follow-up films and most notably in the final installment “Avengers: Endgame.”

The Avengers arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 1.5
Probably the best-known of all the Marvel movie themes, Alan Silvestri’s music features dark sonorities and driving rhythms.

Back to the Future arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
Alan Silvestri’s dramatic theme from the 1985 hit movie became an instant film score classic, and remains popular today.

Music from Beauty and the Beast arr. Paul Lavender, Grade 2-3
Featuring the familiar songs from the original 1991 animated classic “Beauty and the Beast,” and revived for the 2017 live-action blockbuster movie, this concise medley with flexible scoring includes the title song “Beauty and the Beast” along with “Belle” and “Be Our Guest.”

Best of Smash Mouth arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Even without the movie “Shrek,” Smash Mouth has become an iconic band of the ‘90s. This entertaining and upbeat medley for flexible instrumentation includes the hits “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “I’m a Believer.”

Best of the Beatles arr. John Moss, Grade 2-3
The music of the Fab Four never grows old! Here is a terrific medley of hits playable with a flexible instrumentation. Titles include: “Ticket to Ride,” “Hey Jude,” and “Get Back.”

Selections from Black Panther arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
The film score for the blockbuster movie “Black Panther” is as dramatic and powerful as the movie itself. Here is a terrific setting of the main themes skillfully arranged for flexible instrumentation. Titles include: “Ancestral Plane,” “Waterfall Fight,” and “United Nations/End Titles.”

Bohemian Rhapsody arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
Almost a complete concert in itself, this familiar Queen classic never fails to bring down the house!

Queen on Stage arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
The powerful music of rock band Queen remains as relevant and recognizable as ever. This exciting medley for flexible instrumentation includes the timeless hits “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “We Are the Champions.”

Born to Be Wild arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2-3
Classic ’60s rock from the group Steppenwolf.

Coldplay Classics arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2-3
The music of the popular band Coldplay continues to be an enduring force in the contemporary pop music scene. Here is a well-paced and great-sounding medley of their biggest hits. Titles include: “Clocks,” “Paradise,” and “Viva La Vida.”

Disco Lives arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2.5
The current dance craze sweeping the nation is evidence enough that disco, in fact, never died. This energetic medley includes the hits “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, and “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People.

Disney Film Favorites arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
Music from Disney’s animated classics has become a part of our culture and reaches across generations with its appeal. This medley of familiar melodies will bring back fond memories for players and audience alike. Titles include: “Under the Sea (from The Little Mermaid),” “Circle of Life (from The Lion King),” “Friend Like Me (from Aladdin)” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Highlights from Doctor Who arr. Robert Buckley, Grade 3
Featuring music composed by Murray Gold for the popular long-standing British TV series, here is an entertaining medley of themes representing your favorite heroes and aliens including: the Doctor (of course), Cybermen, Daleks, Martha, and Rose.

Music from Frozen arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
From Disney’s spectacular animated movie “Frozen,” here is a medley of catchy songs skillfully arranged for flexible instrumentation. Titles include: “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” “For the First Time in Forever,” and “Let It Go.”

frozen ii

Music from Frozen II arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 3
From the powerful movie blockbuster “Frozen II” here is an exciting and well-paced medley scored for flexible instrumentation. Included is the opening chant “Vuelie” followed by “Some Things Never Change,” “Into the Unknown,” “Lost in the Woods,” and “Show Yourself.”

Great Movie Adventures arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2.5
Includes themes from “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” and “E.T. (The Extra-Terrestrial).”

I’m Still Standing arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
Elton John’s upbeat and tuneful hit is as popular today as ever. Arranged here in a shuffle style with flexible scoring.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2.5
Powerful themes from the first “Pirates” movie, “The Curse of the Black Pearl.” Titles include: “Fog Bound,” “The Medalliaon Calls,” and “The Black Pearl.”

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 1.5
Featuring the familiar themes from the original “Pirates” movie, here is an easy flex version of this stirring and dramatic music. Titles include: “The Medallion Calls” and “The Black Pearl.”

Music from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
Here is a concise medley of the exciting music from the 2017 installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga. Skillfully arranged by Johnnie Vinson with flexible scoring for smaller bands or mixed ensembles. Titles include: “Beyond My Beloved Horizon,” “My Name Is Barbossa,” and “Salazar.”

Pixar Movie Favorites arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2-3
Showcasing the heartwarming charm and unique creativity from Pixar Studios, here is a medley of timeless musical favorites scored for flexible instrumentation. Titles include: “You’ve Got a Friend in Me (from Toy Story)”, “The Spirit of Adventure (from Up),” “The Glory Days (from The Incredibles),” “The Big Race (from Cars),” and “Ratatouille Main Theme.”

Radioactive arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2-3
Not many contemporary rock songs exhibit the staying power of this recent hit recorded by Imagine Dragons. Here’s a great-sounding version for flexible instrumentation that goes together easily.

Skyfall arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
From the blockbuster James Bond film “Skyfall,” pop sensation Adele has crafted a fitting theme to suit the mood. Skillfully arranged here for incomplete ensembles.

Danger Zone arr. Michael Story, Grade 2
This arrangement of Kenny Loggins’ rock hit is from the movie “Top Gun.” The familiar driving bass line is the foundation for this energetic box office favorite. Soaring aerobatic ecstasy!

High Hopes arr. Doug Adams, Grade 1
From Panic! At the Disco’s “Pray for the Wicked” album, this inspirational anthem was a number-one song on numerous charts. Familiar to students and audiences alike, this solidly scored arrangement by Doug Adams for your beginners will be both their favorite and an impressive addition to your concert. The driving beat has energy to spare!

You’ll Be Back (from Hamilton) arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2
The familiar favorite tune from the award-winning Broadway musical “Hamilton” is set in a laid-back, light rock style with clever melodic nuances and richly conceived harmony, perfectly scored for developing band. Easy to play, this one is a winner!

I Got Rhythm arr. Michael Story, Grade 1
This timeless George and Ira Gershwin jazz classic has been covered by dozens of popular artists. The song remains one of the most recognizable melodies from the 20th century. In a charismatic contemporary arrangement, “I Got Rhythm” is accessible to first-year students and will be an upbeat addition to any program.

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About the Author:
Megan W., originally from Pittsburgh PA, is happy to call Columbus and Stanton’s Sheet Music “Home.” As a musician, Megan has played in marching and concert bands, youth orchestras, full orchestras, small ensembles, and a few choirs. Her interests include fiddling, reading, writing, martial arts and yoga.

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