Contemporary Arrangement for the Wind Band
Authors: Stephen Aidoo, Adjei Dennis Nii Adjetey, Clever Kofi Awli, Ernest Markin, Ebenezer Ansong & Theophilus Kesse Addo Danquah
ISMN 979 – 0 – 9008058 – 0 – 5
DOI: 10.38159/npub.eb20241001
Published: 27th September, 2024.
This arrangement was influenced by my decade-long involvement with the Department of Music Wind Ensemble, first as a student, then as an instructor, and currently as the director. Through this experience, I arrived at a realization that a significant number of wind ensemble students engage in the course for academic reasons rather than with the aim of preparing for professional endeavours. The predominant use of repertoire in ensemble performances, which dates back over five decades, contributes to this phenomenon. Approximately 90% of the musical pieces selected for the ensemble were significantly older than the students, consequently conflicting with both student interests and industry standards.
Furthermore, due to the predominantly classical nature of the chosen ensemble repertoire, there was a lack of emphasis on developing skills in listening and playing by ear. This particular skill set is crucial for infusing vitality into musical compositions and establishing a profound connection between the musician and their instrument at an intuitive level, as opposed to solely relying on sight reading. Notably, in the Ghanaian music industry, there is a greater emphasis on ear-playing skills compared to sight-reading abilities. As a consequence of this practice, students who aspire to pursue wind instrument performance often find themselves needing to dedicate extra time to honing their ear-playing abilities before seamlessly integrating into the industry.
In my capacity as the director of the ensemble, various genres of music within the student cohort have been introduced to broaden their interests and encompass the complete spectrum of musicianship, encompassing both sight-reading and ear-playing. These selections have been allocated to students in order to engage their full range of musicianship abilities, encouraging them to listen, harmonize and rearrange pieces for the wind ensemble to acclimate to the academic milieu. This approach fosters students’ creativity in the realms of arrangement and orchestration, while enhancing their understanding of harmony, particularly in the context of community brass band music performances where traditional harmony norms are not strictly adhered to. Through consistent utilization of these arrangements in performances, the harmony ingrains itself within the students, becoming an inherent part of their musical identity even when they play without score.
Moreover, there exists a notable population of wind band musicians who exhibit a preference for contemporary music but may overlook the essential elements of harmony, notes, rhythm, and dynamics in their practice. This structured arrangement will serve as a guide to those wind ensemble performers who rely on ear-playing techniques, often neglecting the principles of traditional harmony. This publication is intended to serve as a gateway into the dynamic and continually evolving realm of contemporary music, equipping students with the necessary tools to compete, innovate, and excel as musicians in the contemporary era.
I have thus classified these arrangements into three distinct series. The first series pertains to the organization of harmony around a pre-existing melody. The second series entails a fusion of pre-existing harmony with both the author’s own harmonies and arrangements. Lastly, the third series involves precisely scoring the harmonic arrangement of the original composition. This publication centres its attention on the first series.
Stephen Aidoo, (PhD)
Department of Music (SPA)
University of Ghana,
Legon
It is with great excitement that I present foreword to Contemporary Arrangements for the Wind Band, a vibrant compilation designed to bring the energy and creativity of modern music to the wind band setting. This collection features innovative arrangements of some of today’s most popular and compelling pieces, showcasing the versatility and expressive potential of the wind band. Contemporary Arrangements for the Wind Band includes:
Bandana, Buga, Finesse, Play, Kulosa and Who is Your Guy?.
This anthology is crafted with the modern ensemble in mind, offering fresh and dynamic interpretations of contemporary hits. These arrangements aim to bridge the gap between popular music and the traditional wind band repertoire, providing a unique and engaging experience for both performers and audiences.
Each piece in this collection has been meticulously arranged to capture the essence and energy of the original while making the most of the wind band’s rich sonic palette. From the rhythmic vitality of Bandana to the infectious groove of Buga, from the suave sophistication of Finesse to the playful spirit of Play, and from the soulful melodies of Kulosa to the vibrant beats of Who is Your Guy, these arrangements offer a diverse and exciting musical journey.
This compilation serves multiple purposes: it is a valuable resource for conductors seeking to introduce contemporary music into their programs, a stimulating challenge for musicians looking to expand their repertoire, and an engaging experience for audiences eager to hear their favourite songs reimagined in a new context.
We are deeply grateful to the talented arrangers who have contributed their skills and creativity to this project. Their work not only highlights the adaptability of the wind band but also underscores the enduring appeal of contemporary music in all its forms.
Is is my hope that Contemporary Arrangements for the Wind Band will inspire musicians and audiences alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the synergy between popular music and wind band tradition. Enjoy the journey through these exciting new sounds and the joy of performing music that resonates with the spirit of our times.
Prof. Joshua Alfred Amuah
Department of Music
School of Performing Arts
University of Ghana
Legon.
June 14, 2024
Bandana……………………………………………….. 1
Buga…………………………………………………….. 23
Finesse…………………………………………………. 39
Play……………………………………………………… 50
Kulosa………………………………………………….. 70
Who is Your Guy ……………………………………81
Dr. Stephen Aidoo is an expert in the field of Organology, specializing in Woodwind Instrument Maintenance. He holds a position as a Lecturer at the University of Ghana, specifically within the School of Performing Arts, Department of Music. Currently, he fulfills the role of Director for the UG Wind Ensemble, which also functions as a designated course within the Department of Music. Dr. Aidoo is responsible for composing, arranging, selecting repertoire and editing student arrangements and composition for the ensemble.
Dennis Nii Adjetey Adjei is a Level 300 student at the University of Ghana share he is pursuing a degree in BA Music and Sociology. He is actively involved in the School of Performing Arts, specifically in the Musci Department and as a member of the UG Wind Band. His primary instrument of focus is the trumpet. Dennis helps in the arrangement and composition of pieces for the ensemble.
Clever Kofi Awli excels as a student at the University of Ghana, where he is pursuing his third year of studies at the School of Performing Arts, focusing on Music and Dance. Clever displays exceptional talent in playing the trumpet and arranging pieces for the ensemble. He is actively involved in the UG Wind Ensemble, a highly esteemed affiliated with the Department if Music.
Ernest Markin is a student at Level 300 within the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, Legon. He exhibits a strong commitment to the study of music, with a focus on the trumpet as his principal instrument. He engages actively in the Wind Ensemble to enhance his musical abilities and talents. Additionally, he contributes to the arrangement and composition for the Ensemble.
Addo-Danquah Kesse Theophilis is a graduate of the University of Ghana, where he pursued studies in Psychology and Sociology. While serving his national duty, he became a Teaching Assistant for the UG Wind Ensemble. His educational path was enriched by his musical abilities, especially in arranging and composing pieces as well as playing the saxophone for the ensemble.
Ebenezer Baoteng Ansong, a graduate student at the University of Ghana, pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He is a member of the School of Performing Arts, specialising in music and is also affiliated with the UG Wind Ensemble. Ebenezer’s contributions go beyond performing on the trumpet as he enhances the ensemble with his remarkable arrangements and compositions to expand its repertoire.
Aidoo,Stephen , Adjei Dennis Nii Adjetey, Clever Kofi Awli, Ernest Markin, Ebenezer Ansong & Theophilus Kesse Addo Danquah. Contemporary Arrangement for the Wind Band.(Accra: Noyam, 2024).