Modern arranging technique: A comprehensive approach to arranging and orchestration for the contemporary stage band, dance band, and studio orchestra (Modern arranging and composing) [Sheet music]

Gordon Delamont (Author)

Product Details

• Sheet music: 239 pages
• Publisher: Kendor Music (1965)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0007DU0SM
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,417,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is glorious...and not hard to find., August 27, 2007

By 

M. Sweetz "Pop-a-holic" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern arranging technique: A comprehensive approach to arranging and orchestration for the contemporary stage band, dance band, and studio orchestra (Modern arranging and composing) (Sheet music)

I don't know why this book doesn't receive the attention other arranging books get. This book gives you detailed examples and descriptions of various essential arranging techniques - such as writing for two voices, three voices, etc., when to harmonize passing tones vs. leaving them in the lead voice only, scoring chords for various instruments, and on and on. Mr. Delamont does an excellent job of answering the kinds of questions beginners are likely to have, and the book features exercises at the end of each chapter, as well as an appendix with SUGGESTED answers.

Owning more than one arranging book can't hurt, but I rank this book up there with 'Jazz Arranging' by Norman David, 'The Professional Arranger/Composer' by Russell Garcia, and the Berklee Press books, as being one of the most educational and useful arranging books around (the Leslie Sabina book looks pretty good, too, but I haven't gotten to it, yet).

If you want learn the techniques of arranging, and already have a good grasp on jazz theory/harmony, I recommend this and those other books. The books by Sebesky, Mancini, Nestico, and Riddle are all worth having, but they assume you know the basic techniques that arranging requires - the same techniques that the Garcia, David, Berklee Press, and Delamont books teach so well.

And don't be thrown off by the book's unavailability on Amazon, if you type the author and title in Google, you will find sources (ex. the publisher's website) that still carry it. In fact, I special ordered a new copy from my local music store less than a month ago for $40.00.

I'm enjoying this book so much, I intend to eventually purchase the other books Delamont has written.