When my good friend, Rick Connor, called and asked if I would contribute an article for his new publication, Masters of the Marching Arts, (actually, he said, “aahticle” and “maahching aahts,” but I lived in Boston for many years and learned the language, so I knew what he meant), I responded the only way I could ….”No!”
Seriously, I did say “no” to just an article, and instead asked if he thought it would be helpful to band directors if we were to establish a regular feature which would allow you to write in with specific questions that I might be able to answer or problems that I might be able to fix.
For example, one of the questions most asked of me by band directors is, “What can I do to make my band sound better when playing published arrangements that don’t conform to my instrumentation and/or strengths?” It’s a wonderful question, but a very complex one, because there are so many variables, and, consequently, so many answers. So, before we can come up with viable solutions together, I would probably ask them a series of questions, such as, “Does your band’s instrumentation cover all of the writers’ parts in the published score, including any divisi or solos, and, even if it does, is each section capable of carrying the full responsibility of that part as it is written?” I may ask them the levels of ability of the individual players, and how their strengths and weaknesses are distributed throughout the band. Another question I might pose is, “Are you choosing music that is suited to your players, both stylistically and in terms of difficulty, or are you choosing a program based on your tastes only?
This leads us to the thrust of this column. What is it that you want to know? Is there a specific problem with which I can help? Or, is there simply something you always wanted to ask, but didn’t know where to go for the answer? Well, now’s your chance! More than likely your questions and concerns are fairly universal, so you needn’t feel alone. Just send your questions to: mastersmarchingarts@gmail.com. Include the actual music if you’d like. Don’t be shy. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
*A professional composer, arranger, producer, and conductor, Larry Kerchner has worked in a wide variety of idioms. As a composer and arranger, his work has been heard on television, radio, Broadway, and in commercial jingles. He has over 300 works published in the educational market for band and chorus and continues to do commissioned works for many top universities and high schools throughout the country.
As a record producer, Larry has produced many artists in the pop, R&B, and country fields. He also arranged and produced many commercials, including McDonald’s’, 7-Up, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Arthur Treacher’s, as well as his own album of instrumental music, entitled “Larry Kerchner’s Signature Series.”
Larry has conducted his arrangements on “The Tonight Show,” “Merv Griffin Show,” “Mike Douglas Show,” and “Jerry Lewis Telethon.” He has also conducted in Las Vegas, Reno, and New York with Don Rickles, and has acted as musical director for many singers and recording artists.
Larry is active as a member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and received a Grammy Award nomination in 1985 for his work as an arranger. He is also a member of ASCAP, as well as The American Federation of Musicians, New York local 802.
Larry received a fellowship from the Delaware State Arts Council for his work in composing children’s music. Most recently, he was one of three composers, along with Jerry Herman and Steve Lutvak, selected to have songs performed at the ASCAP Songwriters’ Showcase in Los Angeles.