Suomen Big Band –yhdistys ry (The Finnish Big Band Association) in co-operation with Savonia University of Applied Sciences organise a course on big band arrangement for the fourth time. The arrangers in training will be working with Junior All Star Big Band.
Suomen Big Band –yhdistyys ry (The Finnish Big Band Association) in co-operation with Savonia University of Applied Sciences organise a course on big band arrangement for the fourth time. The aim of the course is to produce a full-bodied arrangement for a big band using notation software Sibelius, which is currently in use in Sibelius Academy. The course is taught by experienced, top-notch composer-arrangers Vellu Halkosalmi and Antti Rissanen with Savonia’s teachers Mikko Toivanen and Pekka Toivanen. Junior All Stars Big Band will be seen as the demo band. The group will perform the arrangers’ fruits of labour in a concert on Sunday 9 November, and the concert programme will also include two new big band compositions by each Vellu Halkosalmi, Erno Tiittanen and Sasu Schildt, commissioned by the Finnish Big Band Association.
Teachers and themes
- Vellu Halkosalmi (freelancer): Writing music, Career in composition and arrangement, My story and history
- Mikko Toivanen (Savonia): Basics of arrangement, The process of arrangement, Any pitfalls?, Learning arrangement independently
- Pekka Toivanen (Savonia): Big Band as an entity, Sections
- Antti Rissanen (Sibelius Academy, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences): Arrangement through examples
Schedule: Teaching, guided rehearsals
- Sat 8 Nov 1-8PM
- Sun 9 Nov 10AM-2PM
- Sun 9 Nov 3PM Final concert (venue to be confirmed later)
The programme will be tailored to the needs and wishes of participants.
Content
The aim of the course is to familiarise the participants with the basics of arrangement for big band, including harmonisation, different styles, techniques of arrangement, rhythmics and the function of different sections. The emphasis will be on practical work, not learning the use of the notation software. Participants will improve their skills in arrangement through guided practical exercises. The aim is to produce an arrangement for the final concert. Participants will also be provided with tools to continue studying arrangement independently.
After lectures, participants will work on arrangements and compositions in small groups and personal meetings. Participants will also be familiarised with the work of Junior All Star Big Band. The aim is to understand how the big band functions as an entity as well as the function of different instruments and sections. Participants get the chance to have their own arrangement performed by Junior All Stars Big Band.
Target group
The course welcomes both beginners and students with experience in writing arrangements from different sectors.
Required competences
Basic knowledge of notation software and music theory are considered a strong advantage. Participants are encouraged to bring their own drafts and material for further working on. It is also possible to complete an earlier arrangement on the course – and hear the outcome played live by Junior All Stars Big Band. Further information will be provided.
Course fee
220 €, including teaching and materials.
Accommodation
Each participant should find their own accommodation.
Registration fee
Each participant should transfer the course fee by 30 October 2014 to SBBY bank account, including a message “sovituskurssi 2014”. Account number is 800017-1723687. By completing the transaction participants will affirm their participation.
Place
Kuopio Conservatory / Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Rytmimusiikki. Kotkankallionkatu 12, 70600 Kuopio.
Registration
Approximately 12 participants will be accepted in the order of registration. Participants can register by emailing the board member Marjo Riihimäki by 24 October 2014. Include your name, address, mobile number, a short description of your history as an arranger and your goals for the course. Send the message to the following address: marjo.riihimaki@sbby.com
Note on the tech
The Sibelius notation software will be used on the course. Participants may also work with their own laptop or simply use pen and paper.
Further information
Further information can be inquired from Antti Rissanen via email: a.r@saunalahti.fi