from: Larry Jellison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> subject: [Hornlist] RE: musical idiot & disgusting arranger.
This tops them all-- the concert band version of "The Marriage of Figaro Overture". When the saxophones join in by tackling the cello parts, you know the music world has reached a new low. Not even the clarinets on the violin parts can prepare you for this. **************************************************************************** If this is the Slocum arrangement, there are options. I've used this one many times with great satisfaction....with groups of around 35 - any more is too much IMHO. 1. The sax parts, when melodic, are ALWAYS doubled, so have the kiddies tacet. 2. Teach your sax players to be unobtrusive and to blend into the bassoons and 3rd Clarinets at these spots. (Preferred!) 3. And lastly, burn the Snare and Bass Drum parts before you hand out the other parts. A good conductor can adjust balances so only uberpurists would be offended. Again, there is plenty of rationale for playing transcriptions....the primary being that orchestras are only in 10% of US public schools - as opposed to around 90% for Bands. (and of those 10% - mostly are string - only groups) If the kids aren't exposed to the classics through band - they may only get a diet of Holsinger et al and pop & movie music. With the exception of Military Bands. band is almost exclusively a scholastic endeavor. And these folks, only exposed to contemporary music, when they grow up and get a job will probably never buy a ticket to an Orchestra subscription series. --------------------------------- It's here! Your new message! Get new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar. _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
