This is quite late for some people, however, I would still like to teach the main public about what i've learnt during my composition project on Orchestration and Arrangement module.
PROPOSAL
Come out with a simple plan. Do note about the number and types of instrumentation. Also take note of their virtuosity. If they can't play professionally, don't compose something too difficult.
In my case, I composed for an amateur band taking in mind that I would only want 1 practice to complete everything. Due to my insufficient knowledge about percussion ability, I only used 4 percussion instruments. Therefore, I keep my piece simple is as little sharp or flat as possible.
Please also note the instrument ability like a trumpet cannot slide like a trombone. If you are unsure, please ask and ask and ask. The player will know best about their instrument ability.
COMPOSING
You can possibly come out with different sections of the music if you want. A contrast in style will be nice. Compose within the players limit. I remember replying to one of my friend that my comfortable range on the trumpet is from low G to high G, however the technical range is from low F sharp to high high C.
Do discuss your rehearsal schedule with your players.
REHEARSHING
Come out with a lesson plan. Tell your players about it. Make sure you tell them your ending time so that they can avail themselves to you. Learn basic conducting in order to organize them during rehearsal.
Do general warm up and tuning with them. Learn from the players, the know it best. Especially if you are a guest conductor for the band who is already well together, ask them for advice. They know what is best for them. If they don't answer then you get them to follow what you have learnt.
My schedule for rehearsal.
1100 band arrive, individual warm up
1115 tuning and general warm up
1130 rehearse the piece section by section
1200 take five
1205 do some touch up
1215 record
1230 closing brief
This was my plan which I have in mind as everyone has a tight schedule. Do not delay too much as your players have their own schedule. This is how you show respect to your players.
RECORDING
If there are minor mistakes in the piece, just go on. This instruction have to be brief to the players before recording. Just make sure they come in at the right measure after the mistake.
Mistakes will occur no matter how many times you record.
I recorded once after rehearsal so it is like a live recording. Many mistakes were there due to lack of practice as I only cater one practice for it.
Even many of the members told me about the mistakes, but I explain to them that mistakes do happen even in concert. However I still praise them on their good performance in sight-reading.
POST RECORING
I check the music recorded is ok. Then I negotiate with them for the appreciation treat which will work well within my budget.
I treated my players beverages for their lunch. But in addition, I will continue to help NTUSB in whatever form of help that I can offer.
I hope you can get something out of this procedure. This are just guidelines and it will vary among different people. If you have any questions, leave them on the tagboard and I will answer to them.
