What is “adaptable” music? It is music that can be performed by an ensemble that isn’t fixed instrumentation.
My music comes in two different categories of adaptable music:
1) Adaptable Instrumental Ensemble: almost any combination of instruments. These pieces are in SATB format meaning that you can play them with just 4 players, but with no maximum number of players!
2) Flex Instrumental Ensemble: has instruments assigned to specific voice parts based on range. This type of ensemble requires at least one player available on each part.
Why is this music being released now? They have be written (or re-worked from my existing music) in response to the challenges that music performance and music education are facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where limited numbers of participants in music classes may be a reality. These pieces seek to provide a repertoire for players of all levels to learn and play together whether that is in an in-person, hybrid, or any other situation.
What parts does each set come with?
1) Adaptable Instrumental Ensemble: Each set is supplied with SATB parts for all of the instruments listed below, as well as optional percussion parts (and for most pieces piano too!). In the case of some pieces there is also an MP3 track as part of the piece.
2) Flex Instrumental Ensemble: each part that is required by the piece.
Is the grading system of your music still the same? Yes – the grades conform to the equivalent band grade. I would add that the fewer players there are the harder the piece will become for those players – but the general requirements about range etc. are still the same.
Can I email the parts to players? Can I print parts out to give to players? Yes – the adaptable music all comes as a PDF and can be distributed around your school/band as you require
What if I only have 3 tubas and a baritone sax in the room? Will the Adaptable Instrument Ensemble pieces still work for that group of instruments? Absolutely! They work for any combination of the instruments listed above.
Do certain instruments play certain parts? Any instrument can play any part. For sure it would sound a little different to have a bass clarinet playing the soprano voice and three flutes playing the alto, tenor, and bass voices, but it will work – AND provide a wonderful opportunity for players to experience listening in a different way.
Does everyone play all of the time? The more players you have the more breaks players can have and the more creative you can become. Experimenting with textures and colours is encouraged!
We will have more percussionists in the room than you have written parts for. Do you have any suggestions? Absolutely – extra mallet players can always pick up the flute or oboe parts and add to those textures too!
Can we post videos of our performances of these adaptable pieces online? Absolutely – no licensing costs required. The more music is shared the better the world will be 🙂
Can I ask you some more questions? Of course – see the contact page for the email addresses