Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Instrumentations (Read 2850 times) previous topic - next topic

Instrumentations

Hi,

Would somebody please fill me in on some standard instrumentations for college and high school bands. I would like to touch up some arrangements I've put into Noteworthy.

My question is:

What are the BASIC and STANDARD instrumentations for HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE, and UNIVERSITY 'stage bands' and 'concert bands.'

Once I have this info I can finish up some works and perhaps offer some complete oringinal arrangements through your user Scriptorium.

Take care,
Newyorker

Re: Instrumentations

Reply #1 –
Seems there are as many definitions of bands as there are bands. One resource that might help on the topic of brass bands generally is on the Scriptorium in the "Helpful Files" section, it's a text file condensed from a rather lengthy discussion on the topic on the newsgroup. From there, poke around on the web... and have fun!

Re: Instrumentations

Reply #2 –
Since you gave your name as Newyorker, I'll assume you are looking for the standard instrumentation of American concert and stage bands.

Concert Band: Piccolo, Flute 1&2, Oboe 1&2, Bassoon 1&2, Clarinet 1,2&3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1&2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Cornet 1,2&3, Trumpet 1&2, Horn in F 1,2,3&4, Trombone 1,2&3, Baritone, Tuba and whatever percussion is needed. Other instruments can be added, but are less commonly used: English Horn (usually doubled in an Oboe part when needed), Alto, Contralto and Contrabass Clarinet, Soprano and Bass Saxophone and String Bass (sometimes included with the Tuba part). Also, more recent composers often use Trumpet 1,2&3 instead of having 3 Cornet and 2 Trumpet parts).

Stage Band: Alto Saxophone 1&2, Tenor Saxophone 1&2, Baritone Saxophone, 4-5 Trombone parts, 4-5 Trumpet parts, plus a rhythm section including Piano, Bass and Drum Set. Saxophone players are sometimes required to double on Flute and Clarinet, as well as the lead Alto sometimes playing Soprano Saxophone, and the rhythm section often also includes a guitar and an auxillary percussion player.

Hopefully I haven't overlooked anything, but these should give you an idea of what instruments you'd need to write for.
 

Re: Instrumentations

Reply #3 –
Thanks Chris I'm indebted to you!