Final Project C | Pop Chart Arranging

 

There will be a video overview of each chapter that demonstrates how to complete each section with a multicamera view.

 

Transposition + Range

 
 

Intro: Beginning of the song | Can use the same chord progression as the verse or chorus.
Verse: Repeated Section | New words every time. the verse sometimes tells a story.
Chorus: Repeated Section | Same words every time. Contains the hook. The name of the song is in the words
Bridge: Non-repeated Section | Different chord progression from verse and chorus. Sometimes there is an instrumental solo
Ending: End of the song | Can use the same chord progression as the verse/chorus. Ending types: Crescendo, fade out, stop, tag, hit and hold
*Pre-chorus: Before the chorus | Can have the same words or different words every time. Might have a different chord progression.
*Instrumental Interlude: Between sections | Usually a single phrase without words. An interlude might have a different chord progression.

Repeated song sections are differentiated by their chord progressions and harmonic textures.

Sample Song Form

 
 

The Assignment

Phrase Counting

  • Choose a song from This Playlist →

  • Count the number of beats in each measure and keep track of how many measures are in each phrase by saying the measure number on the first beat of each bar.
    Ex. |1 2 3 4 | 2 2 3 4 | 3 2 3 4 | 4 2 3 4 | 4 BAR PHRASE

  • Keep track of the phrase repetitions in each section by holding up fingers in your hand
    Ex. 1 Finger |1 2 3 4 | 2 2 3 4 | 3 2 3 4 | 4 2 3 4 | 2 Fingers |1 2 3 4 | 2 2 3 4 | 3 2 3 4 | 4 2 3 4 | 2x4 SECTION

  • Complete the Song Form Transcription Worksheet →

What To Do Next

Horn Band Arrangments
Now that you can do a basic arrangement from a lead sheet, you can start arranging tunes for pep bands. These can be ensembles at your school or ensembles you put together outside of school. These groups are a great way to have fun and make money over the weekends. Work on your arranging chops by picking a tune you and your friends want to play, get the lead sheet for the melody and chords (transcribe them if you can’t find them), figure out the instrumentation, and start arranging. Have your friends play your charts and get feedback. Together, you will be able to create something great

For more info on some advanced horn arranging topics, check out Evan Rogers’s Blog →

 

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