I'm doing 20 things
arranging for the MIT/Wellesley Toons
4 years ago
My first arrangement, “Let Down” by Radiohead, fizzled after one concert. Too complicated, I guess. Guster’s “Two Points for Honesty” seems to be a hit, though, and will probably get onto the next CD.
My advice to arrangers is to focus on the parts, not just the overall sound. You want people’s parts to get stuck in their head, so make the parts simple and compelling whenever possible. Is there a part that people would spontaneously start singing? Can other group members join in when they hear this part? Then you’ve got an arrangement that will take off, because the group is practicing it without even trying.
