Arranging for the Philippine Youth Symphonic Band
24 Apr 2008 06:12 PM
This month, I’ve been privileged to arrange for the
Philippine Youth Symphonic Band. My task was to give
Sarung Banggui, a popular Filipino folk song (by
Potenciano Gregorio), a fresh treatment and a “young”
sound. Now these days, I don’t have a clear idea as
to what “young” really sounds like. As an arranger,
people might classify me into the “young” category
because of my age, but boy, half or more of my
listening material is not “young.”
That aside, I just took “young” to mean “experimental” or “non-traditional”, and so tried to come up with colors which are not traditionally employed in the Concert Band context. For instance, I tried treating the group orchestrally, instead of the usual sectional treatment (where it follows that Saxes are one group, Brasses are another, etc.). Also, for the A parts of the folk song, I employed a funky feel to it, while the B parts are in a swing feel.
I haven’t heard the actual piece yet, so I am very excited! Will post an update as well as a sound clip. I hope the arrangement works!
That aside, I just took “young” to mean “experimental” or “non-traditional”, and so tried to come up with colors which are not traditionally employed in the Concert Band context. For instance, I tried treating the group orchestrally, instead of the usual sectional treatment (where it follows that Saxes are one group, Brasses are another, etc.). Also, for the A parts of the folk song, I employed a funky feel to it, while the B parts are in a swing feel.
I haven’t heard the actual piece yet, so I am very excited! Will post an update as well as a sound clip. I hope the arrangement works!
