Here's my version of an all-time classic show theme.  I wrote this for a very talented small band, so there are a lot of solos, lush harmonies,  and exposed writing.  I'm callling it a Grade Three.  Ranges are easy and woodwinds play an important role.  

When I arranged this show I had props and GE stunts in mind.  The tunes are roughly in order so costumed characters could 'act out' the story.  I've included these suggestions on the scrolling score video; you are free to use or ignore them as you see fit. 

If you're adding up times, don't worry; theatrics during the opener and closer add lots of entertainment and bring total show time to about 6 1/2 minutes.

1 - Wizard of Oz Opener Opener - 2 min. 30 sec.

The show opens with four bars of Over the Rainbow, then some original 'Cyclone Music' and the tunes Follow the Yellow Brick Road, and The Merry Old Land of Oz.  The Munchkin High School Band described in the video is a sure hit with audiences.

2 - If I Only Had a Brain Feature Tuba Solo - 1 min.

I've been lucky to have great tuba players, so I wrote to show them off;  if I had a band full of pigs I'd write a show with lots of oinks.  The solo is playable by any good high school tubist, and there's a nice trumpet duet as well.

Here your costumed characters get a chance to dance.  Don't panic; you can get great GE with a minimum of dancing ability!  Your Scarecrow has to be floppy and fall over a lot, and the Tin Man has to be as stiff as possible.  For maximum effect add rattling can sound effects!

3 - Wizard of Oz Closer  - 2 min.

How about a little fire, Scarecrow?  The closer begins with the march of the Witch's  guards, but Dorothy saves the day by dousing the Witch with a bucket of confetti.  "I'm melting!  I'm melting!"  The band strikes up Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead, which leads into Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Music at the ending was written for a special drill effect.  Three bars into the big ending push,  the music decrescendos  and members begin breaking away from the edges of the formation and scattering outward.  Soon there's only a trio playing... and then just a lone trumpet soloist to finish the tune.  The band has formed a rainbow, an arc across the entire width of the field, leading to your 'emerald city of Oz' backdrop.  As the band plays the last chord the guard runs along the arc with rainbow streamers.

Demo Recording

Minor Modifications

Complete Rewrite

About the recording:

I've upgraded my hardware!  I added an Orchestral expansion card to my Roland JV-1010 sound module to produce a more realistic band sound.  Let me know what you think!

Regarding software, I arrange scores with Encore, prepare sequences for recording with Cakewalk Sonar, and record with Audacity (freeware).

Instrumentation
Flute
Clarinets 1 & 2
Alto Sax 1 & 2
Trumpet 1 & 2
Mellophone (Tenor Sax)
Low Brass 1 & 2
Tuba

I will provide parts for
any instrumentation.

Featured solos:
Trumpet solo(2)
Trumpet duet
Tuba
WW & Percussion

What's up with your drum parts?

What's this "Philosophy of Arranging" thing?

What instrumentation do you write for?

How could a custom arrangement make my band sound better?

If I buy your music, exactly what will I get?