Conversational in style and full of practical advice, this user-friendly book takes the reader step-by-step through the process of writing effective arrangements that will make any band sound better. Over 150 musical examples illustrate the dozens of practical tips and techniques presented.

   Chapters include Fundamentals, Notation Basics, Basic Scoring, Form, The Wind Section, The Percussion Section, Working Procedure, Special Effects, The Jazz Idiom, and Getting A Big Sound With Smaller Groups. An Appendix includes information on copyright issues, suggested reading, and three arrangements with annotations by the author.

   Pencil-and-paper procedures are outlined, along with tips and techniques for using MIDI and computer notation software to input, score, print, and record.

   Detailed without being too technical, "Marching Band Arranging" is an excellent reference for both aspiring writers and for directors searching for ways to improve their group.

“Practical and Effective –
A Must-Read for Students and Directors” 

“… I was fortunate enough to have William Spencer Pierce as an arranger. WSP helped us take our group to state numerous times and helped us win State in 1994 and the Class A BOA National Championship in 1992.

He has managed to create a book to guide any director or student through the same steps he used to create award-winning arrangements. The book is straightforward. It is easy to understand and apply to any of your arranging needs…This would be one of those books the music students would not sell back at the end of the semester.”

Eric Berger
Band Director & Visual Design Professional
Bedford, IN

“All the ingredients necessary to produce arrangements that will make your marching band sound great…”

 “…This is a publication for students and teachers who have a desire to arrange for their own groups and others, but have a limited background or experience in doing so…
The simplicity of concepts presented includes well laid out examples and instructions on how to write for maximum production of sound from the wind and percussion sections…The book is beautifully organized, explanations are clear and concise, and it contains many examples on how to score effectively to achieve optimal results. For anyone wishing to begin their arranging experience, you must have this book in your hands.”
                        
Ray E. Cramer
Emeritus Director of Bands, Indiana University
President, The Midwest Clinic     

“Highly Recommended”

…I especially like the book because it is practical rather than purely theoretical. The widespread use of musical examples really does a nice job of illustrating the text. The book belongs in the personal library of every high school marching band director. It would also be a valuable resource for high school or college students considering a career in instrumental music education….

John Aylsworth
Band Director (Ret.)
Springs Valley HS

“A concise and practical guide to arranging…”

"… For the young teacher or college student, there are sections covering basic theory, instruments, and formal considerations. Experienced teachers will benefit from Spencer-Pierce's suggestions on scoring, voicing, and stylistic issues (such as scoring for jazz charts). Spencer-Pierce explains each lesson clearly, and reinforces them with numerous examples and lists for further listening and reading ".

Glen Allman
Asst. Band Director
Shelbyville, IN 

“A Great “How-To” Manual…”

”...Not only for those that want to learn the art of arranging, but gives any band director some great ideas and short-cuts to "tweak" either stock or custom arrangements… If used for only a quick reference of transpositions, instrument ranges and basic music theory, it is well worth the price…”

John Schreiber
Band Director (Ret.)
Madison, IN