I am a self-taught arranger.

I only took one class my whole life and that was sort of a joke!  I have perfect pitch or very close to it…. this is helpful with transcribing.  I wrote my first arrangement when I was in 9th grade….  Earth Wind and Fire’s “Let’s Groove”.  It was simple two-part harmony: melody and bass line only.

Then I started writing stand tunes for the low brass section for the rest of high school and throughout college.  I also would re-write the cadenzas to the solos I played…. Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto K191 was my first one I did.  While at Indiana University, I got my first computer, it was an Apple IIGS and I got Pyware music software.  I then did a few tuba/euph ensemble pieces and transcribed Bordogni Etudes to different keys.

My first real arranging gig was while I was at Disney working with the Tubafours.  While at Disney, I arranged over 75 charts….to date, I have written over 150 for tuba/euph quartet/ensembles.  I have also arranged for various marching bands, including University of Florida and Valdosta State University.

It is more difficult to arrange for tuba/euphonium ensemble because of the lower octaves sounding muddy. Read my tips on arranging for tuba-euphonium ensembles here!