Principles of Choral Arranging

Covering:

Basic harmony
Extended chords
Chord substitutions
Part writing
Chord voicing
Musical styles
SATB, SAB, SSA, TTBB, children’s choirs, soloists, & a cappella groups
Putting an arrangement together
Writing a piano accompaniment
Writing for the rhythm section
Manuscript preparation
Print music publication
Exercises related to each topic
200+ music examples

A Practical Guide for the Novice and the Professional Arranger

Written from his four decades experience as a professional arranger, Robert Sterling’s Principles of Choral Arranging walks the reader though the process of arranging for choral ensembles, from SATB choirs, to back-up vocal groups, to classical children’s choirs. From its refresher course in basic harmony to its chapter on print music publishing, the book offers valuable insights for every arranger wanting to write for choral voices.

Principles of Choral Arranging is well worth the read and should become a staple in music libraries. Sterling’s prose and content are accessible enough for the less experienced arranger and sophisticated enough for the veteran composer. With over 200 music examples, this book becomes a repository for students of arranging. The chapter on publication is worth the price of the book as it walks us step by step through the entire process.
—Dr. Richard Nichols
Dean, Fine Arts and Communication, Butler Community College

1 – Voice Ranges
(And Other Realities)

2 – Harmony 101
(Intervals, Triads, & Suspended Triads)

3 – Expanding Harmonic Horizons
(Inversions, Extensions, & Substitutions)

4 – Part Writing
(Bach & Beyond)

5 – Building Blocks
(Fundamentals Of Arranging)

6 – Mixed Voices
(SATB & SAB Ensembles)