Instrumentation

LegendaryCloud89 · **Instrumentation -** 03-26-2009, 06:54 PM

Hey everyone,

It's kinda a broad topic but...what kind of instrumentation have you/typically use when arranging or composing? I'm a big brass guy, but there are some pieces that call for a Woodwind quintet, like Aeris' Theme in FF7 that I have already arranged. I also like arranging and composing for Wind Ensembles and Orchestras.

So basically I was wondering what's everyone's preference and any tips or interesting facts you have about different ensembles.

**Joseph Perkins** · 03-26-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LegendaryCloud89

Hey everyone,

It's kinda a broad topic but...what kind of instrumentation have you/typically use when arranging or composing? I'm a big brass guy, but there are some pieces that call for a Woodwind quintet, like Aeris' Theme in FF7 that I have already arranged. I also like arranging and composing for Wind Ensembles and Orchestras.

So basically I was wondering what's everyone's preference and any tips or interesting facts you have about different ensembles.

Generally now I love to write for full orchestra just because it sounds......full. lol. Different songs do call for different instrumentation. Just recently I tried to create a dark creepy song using Boys Choir, Harp, Baritone Voice, Cello, and Double Bass.

LegendaryCloud89 · 03-27-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joseph Perkins

Generally now I love to write for full orchestra just because it sounds......full. lol. Different songs do call for different instrumentation. Just recently I tried to create a dark creepy song using Boys Choir, Harp, Baritone Voice, Cello, and Double Bass.

Yeah, that is a BIG reason to use an orchestra.
I do like the combination you've chosen for the song. It will give a nice dark sound. Do you write with lyrics? Or just the notation?

**CarloCrizaldo** · 03-27-2009, 03:21 PM

Piano. Percussion. I'm a big fan of percussion, even though Finale's sound samples are not the best.

LegendaryCloud89 · 03-27-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarloCrizaldo

Piano. Percussion. I'm a big fan of percussion, even though Finale's sound samples are not the best.

Hmmm, I haven't really explored doing much with percussion like a percussion ensemble per se. I guess that's because I don't know much about it...

**Joseph Perkins** · 03-28-2009, 07:28 AM

Percussion ensembles aren't too bad. You just have a lot of instruments to choose from and figure out what you want their purpose to be in the song.

**Nicol Armarfi** · 03-28-2009, 10:15 AM

I'm really good with string orchestras (and it's respective soloists), piano and other keyboarded instruments, and have also been orchestrating for a few years. The main problem with this however, is that I have a pretty low understanding of percussion instruments, so my orchestrations lack musically sound percussion parts.

Bahamut · 03-28-2009, 02:52 PM

I don't really arrange a lot, but i play around with different pieces on my keyboard and try improvising a bit with instruments. My favourite to try are usually flute, strings, and just regular piano.