Small Band, BIG SOUND Tuesday, May 13, 2025
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Small Band, BIG SOUND by Chris DeVona
Small bands can be great bands! “Small Band, Big Sound” is an indispensable guide for success in middle and high school band programs with students of all ability levels. It addresses the day-to-day challenges of finding and creating appropriate repertoire, adapting music for playability, establishing tone and blend with unconventional instrumentation, and rehearsing effectively with a small group. Every student deserves the opportunity to perform at their highest potential, regardless of the size of their band program. This text is designed to prepare music educators with readily accessible tools to create those experiences.
Highlights include:
• An overview of available flex band music and how to select the most appropriate format for your ensemble
• Several model ensembles showing how to assign parts for maximum effect with flex band music
• An illustrated step-by-step guide to creating your own flex band music
• A model for creating custom arrangements, including multiple worked-out example excerpts
• Suggested repertoire resources for finding and choosing appropriate music to arrange
• Tips and tricks for adapting and modifying music to be playable by smaller groups
• Discussion on establishing tone quality and blend with irregular instrumentation
• Information on designing and rehearsing small marching band programs
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 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, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!