TOOLS FOR WRITERS
Early Bird Beginning Band Series - Wizard Easy Band Series - Navigator Young Band Series - Artist Band Series
Early Bird Beginning String Series - Wizard Easy String Series - Navigator Young String Series - Artist String Series
SPECIFICATIONS FOR OUR BAND MUSIC
The following specifications are intended to create uniformity within each serries. This uniformity enables directors to make selections from the series with confidence and the knowledge that their choices will work.
Early Bird Beginning Band Series
Music written for the Early Bird Beginning Band Series should be suitable for players who are beginners (15-20 lessons). It should be educationally sound, interesting to play and appropriate for programing or state contest.
Composers of music for this series should use the following guidelines:
1. Write original music or arrangements of music in public domain. Subject matter or titles should be of interest to elementary age children. Arrangements of classics are usually well received.
2. Write 40 to 60 measures of music. If repeats are used, they should be short and easy to execute. Include rehearsal letters in ligical places; every eight measures or at the beginning of a section.
3. Harmonic language should be traditional. Avoid chromatics. The keys of F, B-flat, and E-flat major or their relative minors may be used.
4. Rhythms should be easy, logical and traditional. Use whole notes, half notes, dotted half notes, and quarter notes. Eighth notes shold be avoided unless they are very basic (in pairs). Snare drum may use eighth notes freely.
5. Two-four, three-four, four-four and cut time are the only time signatures to be used in this series.
6. Avoid large melodic leaps. Strive for logical voice leading and keep instruments in their best ranges.
7. Try to overlap phrases to avoid breaks in the line, and score for a full sonorous sound. Block writing and repeated patterns are most desirable. Unisons work well. Polyphonic writing and independent lines should be very simple and used sparingly. With these limitations, achieving artistic variety in the composition is difficult but very important.
8. Melodic material or important lines should be written for trumpets, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, or drums because bands at this level do not usually have full instrumnetation. The third of the chord should never be missing. the tuba part should be doubled at the octave by the trombone, baritone, and other tenor and bass instruments to preserve the base line in the absence of the tuba.
9. Solo parts may be written for flute, first clarinet, first trumpet, alto sax, or snare drum. Solos should always be cued with an effective substitute instrument.
10. Include two or three sentences containing remarks of interest about the music. These remarks are to help the sale of the music. They should be sent to us by email, mail, or with your music files.
11. A piano conductor score must be included with your manuscript. This is important for editing.
Use the following instrumentation, ranges and score format in the preparation of your music:
Instrumentation with ranges.
Score - Click on any Early Bird Beginning Band edition to view the Score format. Click learn more and find more views.
Flute (may divide) - 3rd line B-flat to B-flat above the staff. May extend downward to G and upward to C.
Oboe - Second line G to G above the staff. May extend downward to F.
1st. B-flat Clarinet - All Clarinets, G below the staff to second space A. May extend downward to F and upward to B-flat.
2nd B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone - All Saxes, Second line G to G above the staff. May extend downward to E and upward to A.
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
1st B-flat Trumpet - All Trumpets, C Below the staff to 3rd space C. May extend downward to B-flat and upward to D.
2nd B-flat Trumpet
French horn - C below the staff to second space A. May extend downward to B-flat and upward to B-flat.
Trombone (Baritone BC, Bassoon) Second line B-flat to B-flat above the staff. May extend downward to A and upward to C.
Baritone TC - Same as Trombone.
Basses - One octave lower than trombone.
Percussion - May include SD, BD, Cym. SD is written on 3rd space with stems up. BD is on 1st space with stems down. Cym. is 1st space below the staff and uses x for notehead.
In this series the Trombone, Baritone BC and the Bassoon are the same part.
Wizard Easy Band Series
Music written for the Wizard Easy Band Series should be suitable for players who have had at least one year of instrumental instruction and have intermediate ability to perform. It should be educationally sound, interesting to play and appropriate for programing or state contest.
Composers of music for this series should use the following guidelines:
1. Write original music or arrangements of music in public domain. Subject matter or titles should be of interest to elementary or junior high age children. Arrangements of classics are usuallhy well received.
2. Write approximately seventy measures of music. An andante may be fifty measures. If you use repeats they should be short and easy to execute. Include rehearsal letters in logical places: every eight measures or at the beginning of a section.
3. Harmonic language should be traditional. You may use extensions as long as they sound natural when instrumentation thins out. Avoid extensive use of chromatics. The keys of F, B-flat, E-flat and A-flat major or their relative minors may be used. Simple modulations are desirable.
4. Rhythms should be easy, logical and traditional. Use whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and simple dotted rhythms. Snare drum may use sixteenths but avoid sixteenth rests.
5. Two-four, three-four, four-four and cut time may be used. Six-eight may be used in a slow, well known selection like "Silent Night".
6. Avoid awkward melodic leaps. Strive for logical voice leading and keep instruments in their best ranges.
7. Try to overlap phrases to avoid breaks in the line, and score for a full sonorous sound. Block writing and repeated patterns are most desirable. Unisons work well. Polyphonic writing and independent lines should be simple and used sparingly. With these limitations, achieving artistic variety in the composition is difficult but very importane.
8. Because bands at this level do not always have full instrumentation, melodic material or important lines should be written in a strong instrument family, or doubled for strength. Trumpets, clarinets, flutes, saxophones, and drums are strong instrument families and may be used for important material. Do not count on oboe, bassoon, tenor sax, baritone sax, horn, or any of the lower brass instruments by themselves.
The third of the chord should be written in a strong instrument like the cornet or clarinet so that it is never missing. The tuba part should be doubled at the octave by the trombone, baritone, bassoon and other tenor and bass instruments to preserve the bass line in the absence of the tuba.
9. Solo parts may be written for flute, first clarinet, first trumpet, alto sax, or snare drum. Solos should always be cued with an effective substitute instrument.
10. Include two or three sentences containing remarks of interrest about the music. These remarks art to help the sale fo the muisc. They should be sent to us by email, mail, or with your music files.
11. A piano conductor score must be included with your manuscript. This is important.
Use the following instrumentation, ranges and score format in the preparation of your music:
Instrumentation with ranges.
Score - Click on any Wizard Easy Band edition to view the Score format. Click learn more and find more views.
Flute (may divide) - 3rd line B-flat to C above the staff. May extend downward to G and upward to E-flat.
Oboe - Second line G to G above the staff. May extend downward to E and upward to A.
1st. B-flat Clarinet - E below the staff to G above the staff. May extend upward to C.
2nd B-flat Clarinet - F below the staff to third line B-flat.
B-flat Bass Clarinet - F below the staff to third line B-flat.
E-flat Alto Saxophone - First line E to G above the staff. May extend downward to D and upward to C.
B-flat Tenor Saxophone - First line E to G above the staff. May extend downward to D and upward to C.
E-flat Baritone Saxophone - First line E to G above the staff. May extend downward to D.
1st B-flat Trumpet - B-flat Below the staff to 3rd space C. May extend downward to A and upward to E.
2nd B-flat Trumpet - B-flat Below the staff to 3rd space C. May extend downward to A and upward to D.
French horn - B-flat below the staff to second space A. May extend downward to A and upward to C.
Trombone (Baritone BC, Bassoon) Second line B-flat to B-flat above the staff. May extend downward to A - flat and upward to D.
Baritone TC - Same as Trombone.
Basses - One octave lower than trombone.
Percussion - May include SD, BD, Cym. as well as other more common percussion instruments. SD is written on 3rd space with stems up. BD is on 1st space with stems down. Cym. is 1st space below the staff and uses x for notehead. Easy rolls may be used.
In this series the Trombone, Baritone BC and the Bassoon are the same part.
Navigator Young Band Series
Music written for the Navigator Young Band Series should be suitable for players who have had one to two years of instrumental instruction, have intermediate ability to perform and are in an organization with full instrumentation. It should be educationally sound, interesting to play and appropriate for programing or state contest.
Composers of music for this series should use the following guidelines:
1. Write original music or arrangements of music in public domain. Subject matter or titles should be of interest to junior high or early high school age students. Originals and arrangements of classics are usually well received.
2. Write music that is 2 to 3 minutes long. An andante can be a minimum 50 measures. Repeats may be used. Include rehearsal letters in logical places.
3. Harmonic language should be traditional. You may use extensions as long as they sound natural when instrumentation thins out. Chromatics are acceptable, but avoid difficult fingerings. The keys of C, F, B-flat, E-flat and A-flat major or their relative minors may be used. Modulations are desirable.
4. Rhythms should be logical and traditional. Use whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, easy sixteenth note rhythms, easier dotted rhythms and basic syncopation.
5. Two-four, three-four, four-four, five-four, cut time, and six-eight are time signatures which may be used in this series.
6. Avoid awkward intervals and always strive for logical voice leading, keeping instruments in their best ranges.
7. Try to overlap phrases to avoid holes in the line at phrase endings, and score for a full sonorous sound. Block writing and repeated patterns are most desirable, however, thiner textures may be used. Unisons work well. Polyphonic writing and independent lines work well if not too difficult.
8. Although bands at this level do not always have full instrumentation, the Navigator Series is written for larger organizations, and you should assume that all instruments are available with the possible exception of oboe, bassoon, and alto clarinet. Use doubling being careful to put enough weight on melodies, counter melodies, and important notes in the chord. Solos should always be cued for an effective substitute instrument.
9. Include two or three sentences containing remarks of interest about the music. These remarks are to help the sale of the music. They should be sent to us by email, mail, or with your music files.
10. A piano conductor score must be included with your manuscript. This is important.
Use the following instrumentation, ranges and score format in the preparation of your music:
Instrumentation with ranges.
Score - Click on March Supersonic in our Navigator Band Series to see the most current Navigator score format.
Piccolo - 3rd line B-flat to D above the staff. May extend downward to F and upward to F.
Flute (may divide) - 3rd line B-flat to D above the staff. May extend downward to F and upward to F.
Oboe - Second line G to G above the staff. May extend downward to E and upward to A.
Bassoon - G below the staff to D above the staff.
1st. B-flat Clarinet - Low E to G above the staff. May extend upward to C.
2nd B-flat Clarinet - Low E to G above the staff. May extend upward to A.
B-flat Bass Clarinet - Low E to G above the staff. Sounds best below the break.
E-flat Alto Saxophone - First line E to G above the staff. May extend downward to D and upward to C.
B-flat Tenor Saxophone - First line E to G above the staff. May extend downward to D and upward to C.
E-flat Baritone Saxophone - First line E to G above the staff. May extend downward to D.
1st B-flat Trumpet - B-flat Below the staff to 4th space E. May extend downward to A and upward to G.
2nd B-flat Trumpet - B-flat Below the staff to 3rd space C. May extend downward to A and upward to D.
French horn - B-flat below the staff to 3rd space C. May extend downward to A and upward to D.
1st. Trombone - First line G to E-flat above the staff.
2nd Trombone (Baritone BC) - First line G to E-flat above the staff.
Baritone TC - A below the staff to F above the staff.
Basses - One octave lower than 1st trombone.
Percussion - May include SD, BD, Cym. as well as other more common percussion instruments. SD is written on 3rd space with stems up. BD is on 1st space with stems down. Cym. is 1st space below the staff and uses x for notehead.
The Artist Band Series
The Artist Band Series includes music that can be moderately difficult to very difficult. It is intended for more advanced players found in high school and college situations, but, depending on the content, can also be performed by some advanced junior high programs.
The instrumentation, score format and musical language are unrestricted. Ranges are unlimited, however, extreme ranges are discouraged. Strive for logical voice leading in more conventional styles, keeping instruments in their best ranges. Overall emphasis should be on artistic content, creativity, form, beauty of movement and the ability to elicit an emotional response. Care when selecting titles is important. Positive works better than negative.
When adding instruments that expand conventional instrumentation, keep in mind that many school bands do not have players who are able to cover the additional parts, and that the cost to produce, edit, proofread, print and record these parts may be higher than you might expect.
For larger works, the Artist Series may add 2nd flute, 2nd oboe, 2nd bassoon, E-flat clarinet, 3rd and 4th horns, and additional percussion. Avoid these parts if possible. Very few school bands have players to cover these additional parts and the cost to produce, edit, froof, print, and record these is higher than you might expect!
SPECIFICATIONS FOR OUR STRING ORCHESTRA MUSIC
The following specifications are intended to create uniformity within each serries. This uniformity enables directors to make selections from the series with confidence and the knowledge that their choices will work.
Early Bird Beginning String Series
Music written for the Early Bird Beginning String Series should be suitable for players who are beginners (1st year of instruction). It should be educationally sound, interesting to play and appropriate for programing or state contest.
Composers of music for this series should use the following guidelines:
1. Write original music or arrangements of music in public domain. Subject matter or titles should be of interest to elementary age children. Arrangements of classics are usually well received.
2. Write 50 to 65 measures of music. If repeats are used, they should be short and easy to execute. Include rehearsal letters in logical places.
3. Harmonic language should be traditional. Avoid chromatics. The keys of G and D major may be used.
4. Rhythms should be easy, logical and traditional. Use whole notes, half notes, dotted half notes, and quarter notes. Eighth notes should be avoided unless they are very basic (in pairs).
5. Two-four, three-four, and four-four or cut time are the only time signaures to be used in this series.
6. Stepwise motion is better than melodic leaps. Strive for logical voice leading and keep instruments in their best ranges.
7. Score for a full sonorous sound. Block writing and repeated patterns are most desirable. Unisons work well. Polyphonic writing and independent lines should be very simple and used sparingly. With these limitations, achieving artistic variety in the composition is difficult but very important.
8. Major melodic material or important lines should be written for 1st Violin, however, emphasis should be given to inner voices so that they have parts of equal interest. Strength in writing may be accomplished by doubling. Three or four voice harmony is desirable.
9. Include two or three sentences containing remarks of interest about the music. These remarks are to help the sale of the music. They should be sent to us by email, mail, or with your music files.
10. Bowings should be clearly marked. Regular bowing, short slurs (not more than four notes per slur), and pizzacato may be used.
11. A piano conductor score must be included with your manuscript. This is important.
12. All violin fingerings should stay in 1st. position and the G string should not be used. Avoid persistant use of the 4th finger. Emphasize the mid to upper register for cello and bass parts. Viola is better in its middle register. Generally speaking, keep your writing on the staff.
Use the following instrumentation, ranges and score format in the preparation of your music:
Score - Click on any Early Bird Beginning String edition to view the Score format. Click learn more and find more views.
1st. Violin - G below the staff to B above the staff.
2nd. Violin - G below the staff to B above the staff.
3rd. Violin (viola T.C.) - G below the staff to B above the staff.
Viola - C below the staff to E above the staff.
Cello - C below the staff to D above the staff.
Bass - E below the staff to B above the staff.
Piano - A piano accompaniment is part of this series.
Wizard Easy String Series
Music written for the Wizard Easy String Series should be suitable for players who are in their second year of instruction. It should be educationally sound, interesting to play and appropriate for programing or state contest.
Composers of music for this series should use the following guidelines:
1. Write original music or arrangements of music in public domain. Subject matter or titles should be of interest to elementary or junior high age children. Arrangements of classics are usually well received.
2. Write 50 to 65 measures of music. If repeats are used, they should be short and easy to execute. Include rehearsal letters in logical places.
3. Harmonic language should be traditional. Very limited use of chromatics is allowable. The keys of C, G and D major, and E and D minor may be used.
4. Rhythms should be easy, logical and traditional. Use whole notes, half notes, dotted half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and dotted quarters followed by eighth notes. Avoid sixteenth notes.
5. Two-four, three-four, and four-four or cut time and easy six-eight are the only time signaures to be used in this series.
6. Easy melodic leaps are permissible. Strive for logical voice leading and keep instruments in their best ranges.
7. Score for a full sonorous sound. Polyphonic writing and independent lines should be simple. Achieving artistic variety in the composition is difficult but very important.
8. All instruments may play independent parts. Major melodic material should be written for the 1st violin, however, emphasis should be given to inner voices so that they have parts of equal interest.
9. Bowings should be clearly marked. Regular bowing, slurs, and pizzacato may be used. Writing styles may include staccato, legato, and use of accents.
10. Include one or two sentences containing remarks of interest about the music. These remarks are to help the sale of the music. They should be sent to us by email, mail, or with your music files.
11. A piano conductor score must be included with your manuscript.This is important.
12. All instruments should stay in 1st. position except the bass. Generally speaking, keep your writing on the staff.
Use the following instrumentation, ranges and score format in the preparation of your music:
Score - Click on any Wizard Easy String edition to view the Score format. Click learn more and find more views.
1st. Violin - G below the staff to B above the staff.
2nd. Violin - G below the staff to B above the staff.
3rd. Violin (viola T.C.) - G below the staff to B above the staff.
Viola - C below the staff to E above the staff.
Cello - C below the staff to D above the staff.
Bass - E below the staff to B above the staff. May extend upward to D.
Piano - A piano accompainment is part of this series.
Navigator Young String Series
Music written for the Navigator Young String Series should be suitable for players who have had two to three years of instruction and have intermediate ability to perform. It should be educationally sound, interesting to play and appropriate for programing or state contest.
Composers of music for this series should use the following guidelines:
1. Write original music or arrangements of music in public domain. Subject matter or titles should be of interest to junior high or early high school age children. Arrangements of classics are usually well received.
2. Write approximately seventy measures of music. An andante can be fifty measures. Repeats may be used. Include rehearsal letters in logical places.
3. Harmonic language should be traditional. Chromatics may be found in limited quantity. The keys of C, G, D, F, and B-flat major, and E, D, G, and A minor may be used. Modulations are desirable.
4. Rhythms should be easy, logical and traditional. Use whole notes, half notes, dotted half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, simple sixteenth note rhythms, simple dotted rhythms, and easy syncopation.
5. Two-four, three-four, four-four, cut time, easy six-eight, and five-four are time signaures that may be used in this series. Quarter note signatures may be mixed within the composition.
6. Strive for logical voice leading and keep instruments in their best ranges.
7. Score for a full sonorous sound and strive for variety within the composition.
8. All instruments may play independent parts. Major melodic material should be written for the 1st violin, however, emphasis should be given to inner voices so that they have parts of equal interest.
9. Bowings should be clearly marked. Regular bowing, slurs, pizzacato, tremolo, martele, and spiccato may be used. Writing styles may include staccato, legato, and use of accents. Style may also be indicated with tempo markings.
10. Include two or three sentences containing remarks of interest about the music. These remarks are to help the sale of the music. They should be sent to us by email, mail, or with your music files.
11. Although piano is not necessary to performance and not included in the score, a piano score must be included with your manuscript for editorial purposes. A performance piano part is optional.
12. Simple shifting is permissible and may be marked in the part. Easy double stops and divisi parts may be written. Generally speaking, keep your writing on the staff.
Use the following instrumentation, ranges and score format in the preparation of your music:
Score - Click on any Navigator Young String edition to view the Score format. Click learn more and find more views.
1st. Violin - G below the staff to D above the staff.
2nd. Violin - G below the staff to D above the staff.
3rd. Violin (viola T.C.) - G below the staff to D above the staff.
Viola - C below the staff to E above the staff.
Cello - C below the staff to G above the staff.
Bass - E below the staff to D above the staff. May extend upward to E.
Piano (optional)
The Artist String Series
The Artist String Series includes music that can be moderately difficult to very difficult. It is intended for more advanced players found in high school and college situations. The instrumentation and score format is the same as was used for the Navigator Series. The musical language is unrestricted. Ranges, bowings, double stops, and styles are unlimited, however, extreme ranges are discouraged. Strive for logical voice leading, keeping instruments in their best ranges. Emphasis is on artistic content, creativity, form, and beauty of line and movement.