On this cool shady afternoon in December, I am feeling nostalgia as I pulled out one of my earlier arrangements - "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller, a classic big band piece from the 1940s. I wrote it for 5 saxophones (AATTB), and it was a very simple arrangement in that it was mostly a direct transcription and reduction of the original piece. Still, it required a good knowledge of harmony, rhythm and saxophone fundamentals (as well as some software manipulation) to put it together. Although no one asked me to do it, I decided I would just do it for the fun of it, and thankfully it did not go to waste as I had 4 other saxophonists who were willing it play it with me. Looking back, I have been making arrangements for more than 10 years now. Why do I keep doing it?
Well, I guess arranging music exercises the creative part of my brain which I absolutely love. The next best thing (or perhaps equally best) is to hear friends and other musicians playing something I've arranged. It is extremely satisfying and meaningful, and motivates me to do more. Besides continuing to write and sharing my works, I've come to realise that part of this musical journey I'm on, is also about reaching out to the wider community. Hence, I'm saying a big "Helloooo World!", using this blog to share my personal thoughts on music and arranging. I hope that through this blog, I would be able to share something useful, spark a discussion, improve myself, and hopefully in the process inspire someone else to pick up the pen and write something.
If you have a musical idea in your head, pick up a pen and write it down! You won't know where you will end up! And neither do I as I continue on with my journey.
Keep writing!