DEVELOPING YOUR INSTRUMENTAL GROUP by Steve Kirby
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Instrumental Literature (Part 9)
Integrity Music, since its conception,
has served to bring the best in worship/praise collections for
choir, orchestra and congregation. Integrity's "Symphonic
Series" is their first attempt at "instrumental only"
arrangements for the church orchestra. It is awesome! Camp Kirkland, This Integrity series is published in association with PraiseGathering Group and distributed by Word Music. Are you confused? I was. A quick call to Camp Kirkland helped iron out the wrinkles. Randy Vader owns PraiseGathering Music. He also develops print music for Gaither Music and Integrity Music. Randy has an agreement with Word to distribute the product. There! Now do you understand? I tell you that to say this: You can order this music from Word Music, Integrity Music or from your favorite music supplier. |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 10)
Luck's Music is probably the largest outlet for orchestral music in the United States. If you are looking for anything from Handel's 'Water Music' to Morton Gould's 'American Salute.' or Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' to John Philip Sousa's 'Washington Post March,' you are at the right place! How about a John Williams orchestration for 'The Cowboys'? It's there! They have are over 20,000 titles in their catalog. The majority of their catalog is for real orchestral pieces (symphonies, concertos, etc.). These arrangements are the same ones you would hear at any major (or minor) symphonic orchestra concert. Most of the pieces in their catalog would never be played during a worship service, but a few could be used for special occasions such as patriotic concerts (many of Sousa's marches, even Henry Fillmore marches), graduation (Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance), novelty pieces during concerts (Leroy Anderson's 'The Typewriter') and full pops concerts (Lowden's Masterpiece Theater Theme, Burden's Star Wars Medley, etc.) Luck's also has a small section of their catalog called 'Hymns and National Anthems' orchestrated by Arthur Luck, featuring great hymns of the faith. Included in the repertoire is a large jazz section. They also have, with mutual agreement with Chip Davis, the 'Mannheim Steamroller Collection,' that features the arrangements of their most popular titles. If you love pouring over symphonic scores, they have a large collection of Dover Scores for purchase. Most of the pieces in the catalog are for sale. Some are for rental only. Make sure to check their policies before ordering. Luck's catalog is available on line for your perusal. Or, you can have them send one to you...at no cost. |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 11)
Camp Kirkland is the "Lone Arranger" (where's a drummer when you need one!) in PraiseGathering's only orchestra stand-alone series, "The Sanctuary Symphony Series." All four volumes are first-class, vintage "Kirkland." You would be hard pressed to find a series where every piece is a winner, but here are four series that match that description. Volume 1 set the pace in the mid 80s. Even though some of these titles have passed their prime, the arrangements are timeless. These charts help your group to sound (maybe) better than they really are. They help bring your congregation to worship. Volume 2 is an extension of Volume 1. These classic arrangements bring your people to new heights of praise and worship. Volume 2 may be slightly more challenging musically, but they are certainly worth the extra rehearsal time. Volume 3 has one of the most moving orchestra arrangements I've ever heard: "The Love of God" - it paints a visual image in my mind of God's love for me. This volume, as well as Volume 4, contains pullout overtures from some of PraiseGathering's finest choral books. In this series you will find the overtures for "Come, Let Us Adore Him," "The Long-Expected King," "Canticles of Carols" and the "Americana Overture." You will also find several openers for Bill Gaither's PraiseGathering Conferences in this series. They are awesome! |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 12)
Jack Price and Denny Dawson began Prism
Music in 1987. They have always had the church orchestra on their
heart and demonstrated that by offering orchestrations with every
choral collection/anthem published in their catalogue. In 1990,
they developed their first orchestra "stand-alone"
series, called "Prism's Light Orchestra," (all the
brass with only half the strings). "The Atlanta Celebration
Orchestra," composed of eight church orchestras from the
Atlanta area, recorded the project in eight hours (Friday night
and Saturday morning)! Listen closely to the recording to hear
the orchestra bells, tambourine and cabasa (I was really "on"
that day). The arrangements range from quiet to majestic to novelty.
These arrangements are a challenging and most require strings.
You need to give them a look! The sequel, "Prism's Light
Orchestra 2," is equally as good. Bob Krogstad's Jim Gray's "Prism Praise Band" Series started a trend in writing for the rhythm-based contemporary band with a small core of wind players ("Chicago" style). These arrangements are exciting and not too difficult. Jim's collections "Symphony of Praise" and "Gospel Symphony" have established him as one of the top-drawer arrangers for church orchestras today. Camp Kirkland's "Gloryland Band" Series (all five volumes) are outstanding and should be a part of every instrumental library. Rhythm section based, these charts are playable with any size group. Originally designed for stage band instrumentation, they sound as good (or better) by adding the winds, strings and percussion. Their newest instrumental endeavor is "The Gospel Symphony-Nashville Style." These 11 packages (17 titles in all) of Southern Gospel tunes are arranged by Lari Goss, the foremost Gospel arranger in Nashville. Jeff Anderson (of AnderKamp Music) adapted the arrangements so they will work with any church orchestra. Some of the charts feature certain players or sections. One of the arrangements, "First Day in Heaven," is written with a brass quartet (two trumpets, two trombones) on the original vocal quartet parts. Very clever! It sounds great! You can order product or ask for catalogs and recordings by calling the 800 number or by contacting them on the Internet. |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 13)
DAVID WINKLER started Psalm 150 Publications
while instrumental director, Castle Hills BC, San Antonio, TX.
David has created orchestra arrangements for his company that
are timeless, great sounding and playable. Demo listening tapes
are available. David has compiled a CD with 20 of his best orchestral
arrangements from various publishers. It is wonderful for listening
and showcases his incredible gift of arranging. It sells for
$3.00 Several years ago, David sold Psalm 150 Publications to Vern Sanders, Publisher of Creator Magazine and Thomas House Publications. Vern began expanding the already rich catalog that David had assembled. The "Easy Instrumental Worship Library" consists of 8 volumes (3 arrangements per volume) of familiar hymn tunes/scripture choruses, arranged by Jim Lucas. Each volume is available for most instrument keys (C treble, C bass, Bb, Eb, F). An additional series, "Easy Instrumental Duets," follows the same guidelines of the "Easy Instrumental Worship Library," but allows for duets either among /between any instruments written in common keys (as previously indicated). New full orchestra arrangements, "Brass Plus" titles, and other solo and ensemble literature continue to keep Psalm 150 Publications in the forefront of church instrumental music. PS: CREATOR magazine is offering a one-year subscription to MMEMail readers for $25, instead of the current rate of $32.50. If interested, simply send your snail mail address to the email address and you will be billed for $25. This is one of the best magazines for Church Musicians! |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 14)
A CD showed up on my desk about three years ago - with no indication of who had put it there (if you saw my desk, you'd wonder if I could find anything on it in the first place)! I immediately put the CD in my player and intended for it to be background music while I worked. I found myself not working and just listening to the CD. Not only were the musicians of a high caliber, the arrangements were 1st class as well. Carlton Dillard is the Minister of Music
at the Riverbend Church and this is a recording of his players
- playing their own arrangements (all arrangements by trumpet
player, Gary Slechta). The album, "Down By the Riverside,"
is the only collection I've heard from these talented folks,
but it's definitely a keeper! There are 19 titles, and these
arrangements vary in style from swing to Dixieland to classical.
Most of the arrangements are in the traditional brass quintet
voicing (2 trumpets, 1 F horn, 1 trombone, 1 tuba), but other
instruments can be substituted without a diminished result. Several
arrangements include rhythm section and additional brass players.
Some arrangements even have ad-lib solo sections - to let your
players "shine." Degree of difficulty ranges medium/easy
to difficult. Our players have done two of their arrangements:
"Jesus Loves Me" and "What a Friend" - both
were These charts can be purchased individually or as a collection. They are available from your favorite music dealer or through Shawnee Press, Inc., Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327. Call Shawnee toll-free at 1-800-962-8584. |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 15)
Over the years, David E. Smith has developed a plethora of sacred solo and ensemble music for almost every instrument known to man (yes, even saxophone ensembles)! Even with that part of his company continuing to grow, he has branched out in the concert band arena with some very fine arrangers by his side. These arrangements range from Young Band (level 1-2) to Concert Band (level 2.5-3) to Advanced Band (3+). Demo recordings are available in their catalog (printed or Internet). David's acquisition of 'Majestic Music' was finalized in November, 2000. Now, not only is he the exclusive distributor but the owner as well! So, if you're looking for all those wonderful 'Salvation Army' arrangements by Gordon Schuster, Bill Himes and Jim Curnow, this is the place! Plus - Curnow Music Press, which includes all of his compositions and arrangements, are available through DESPUB. These titles are known throughout the music world as the standard for wind ensemble literature. Bill Himes' "Jericho" is one of many titles in this collection. Many of these arrangements include optional string parts so all of your players can join in the praise. But wait, there's more! Claude T. Smith Publications is also an exclusive of DESPUB. Unparalleled arrangements such as Intrada: 'Adoration and Praise' are found in this collection. David E. Smith Publications are available from your favorite music dealer or directly from the company (800-O-SACRED). |
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Instrumental Literature (Part 16)
Omar Allen has been a friend for years. He was the Instrumental Director at the FBC, Tallahassee, when he began his company. He has a flare for extended chords and big band sounds. His "Gospel Band Series, Volumes 1 and 2" features arrangements of familiar hymn tunes written "Big Band" style. His "Orchestra Series" has a variety of pieces geared toward special services, such as Christmas, Easter, communion, and patriotic, as well as hymns/choruses designed for worship. Omar's "New Band Series" features arrangements for woodwinds, brass and percussion only. Styled more in the likeness of "wind ensemble" literature, these arrangements do not need strings, piano or harp for performance. However, there is an optional condensed score for keyboard and guitar provided (if you desire to use either instrument). These arrangements can be purchased directly from Temple Sounds Publications from the address listed above. A catalog and demo recordings are also available by phone or Email. Addendum: Have I missed someone? If you are aware of any other publishers of instrumental music (someone I have not mentioned in the past several articles), email me at skirby@idlewild.org. |
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