maximum flexibility? (Keyboard, drum set, electric bass, optional bass clef parts in treble clef)
• Can the chart be played in public on the third or fourth read down? (When
you're preparing 20‐30 charts, they need to read down fast and easy)
• Bonus points: does the song transcend age? Jump in the Line (Shake Señora) comes to mind as an example: known by people ages 5 to 85.
After the new charts are in place and prepared for public consumption, it is time to watch and read the atmosphere they do or do not create in a real time,
live situation. Those that worked as planned were performed more often, those that did not were placed in secondary mode and tried a few more times to double check their effectiveness.
The strangest story about the short life and rebirth of a chart was my arrangement of Peter Gabriel's cool tune, Sledgehammer. The year I wrote the chart, it failed the basic audition criteria. It was moved to the book anyway where it was met with a total lack of interest by the band and the audience. Needless to,say, that chart was quickly retired. Fast forward ten years: a student librarian discovers
Sledgehammer in the library and asked to add it to the reading session. It was an instant hit with the band, the team, the
audience...becoming one of the most popular recurring charts for the next ten years! Be flexible, be interested in current music and music trends (stay hip, my friend!), and remember to observe the atmosphere that is created by the band.
Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity is committed to the improvement of bands and band instruction in this state. Comments on this column and ideas for future columns are welcome! Please email:
pemin@mac.com.
Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame Inductee Steve McLendon congratulated by Dr. Johnny Long
Pat Stegall presented the 2013 Outstanding Band Director plaque by Phi Beta Mu President John Bradley
ala breve 19
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