2019 New Band Challenge Recap (January to April)

This year, my aim is to visit one new band every week. Partly born out of a lack of consistent band rehearsals whilst I’m house sitting, and a desire to meet more people in the areas we’re in, I’ve also had a number of bands play a piece of mine, which is brilliant to hear different versions of it, and get some feedback on what they liked about my music.

So far, we’re about a third of the way into the year and I’ve managed to find a vast array of bands who kindly invited me along. I’ve been really enjoying the variety of ensembles, venues and people, as well as vast differences in atmosphere, skill level and banter. I’m finding that each rehearsal inspires me in different ways, and my desire to connect with more bands is growing exponentially.

What I would like to do for the rest of the year is to continue connecting with local bands, but also to expand how I’m promoting this challenge by producing better video, and adding a few different features to the posts.

Stay tuned for more and check out all of the bands so far below.

Supertonics Big Band – Jan 2 (Week 1)

First one this year is The Supertonics Big Band, based in Bracknell. A lovely community group that does regular concerts, with a repertoire from Mission Impossible to Begin the Beguine. They were so welcoming that they even pulled out an Aussie number for me – Waltzing Matilda! I actually really like this arrangement, not too hard to play and just the right amount of cheese. I took a rehearsal recording so you can experience their sound yourself. #mindthesplits #holidaychops



Godalming Band – Jan 9 (Week 2)

As part of my 2019 new band tour, I visited Godalming Band, just up the road from my current house sit near Haslemere. A lovely welcoming band led by James Haigh who is also a talented arranger. Amazing to see a full rehearsal after the Christmas break, although I think some people’s chops were a little under done – pretty standard at this time of year. Here’s a small recording of the rehearsal.

Godalming Band – Holst First Suite in Eb

As part of my 2019 new band tour, I visited Godalming Band, just up the road from my current house sit near Haslemere. A lovely welcoming band led by James Haigh who is also a talented arranger. Amazing to see a full rehearsal after the Christmas break, although I think some people’s chops were a little under done – pretty standard at this time of year. Here’s a small recording of the rehearsal.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Wednesday, 9 January 2019

Cathays Brass – Jan 14 (Week 3)

As part of my 2019 new band tour, on Monday Jan 14 I visited Cathays Brass in Cardiff. A fantastic little community band, led by Martyn, who has had a very interesting career playing and writing for some very famous people. I really enjoyed their humour, approach to creating music and general banter. This is an arrangement I did for 10 piece brass, featuring a tricky little eupho/cornet line, plenty of clapping and grunting, and has been a favourite number of all the bands who played it.

Cathays Brass – Happy, arr. Michael Pilley, conducted by Martyn Ford

As part of my 2019 new band tour, on Monday Jan 14 I visited Cathays Brass in Cardiff. A fantastic little community band, led by Martyn, who has had a very interesting career playing and writing for some very famous people. I really enjoyed their humour, approach to creating music and general banter. This is an arrangement I did for 10 piece brass, featuring a tricky little eupho/cornet line, plenty of clapping and grunting, and has been a favourite number of all the bands who played it.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Monday, 21 January 2019

Crosskeys Silver Band – Jan 15 (Week 3)

Week 3 (2nd band of the week!) of my 2019 New Band Challenge, Cross Keys Silver Band conducted by an old friend, Siôn Rhys Jones. Lovely band room with a good acoustic, and a keen bunch of players – pretty full band for this time of year. I loved that they start and end on a hymn, great for tone, so that’s what this video is. Thanks again guys for the invite, really enjoyed this one.

Crosskeys Silver Band – Guess the hymn!

Week 3 (2nd band of the week!) of my 2019 New Band Challenge, Cross Keys Silver Band conducted by an old friend, Siôn Rhys Jones. Lovely band room with a good acoustic, and a keen bunch of players – pretty full band for this time of year. I loved that they start and end on a hymn, great for tone, so that’s what this video is. Thanks again guys for the invite, really enjoyed this one. As always, comment below if you’d like me to come to your rehearsal. Wind, brass and big band, anything goes! I’m finding it hard to do everyone’s band though, so please don’t get upset if I don’t make it. February in Wye, Kent March in Carrick on Shannon, Ireland and then who knows! April – new house sit – in Burwash, Sussex

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Wednesday, 23 January 2019

Marshfield Brass Band  – Jan 23 (Week 4)

Week 5 of my 2019 new band challenge – Marshfield Brass Band. On one of the coldest nights I’ve had so far ❄️ with a rehearsal in a football club room, this was a really welcoming bunch of community musicians. Once again, some light banter and a good dose of hard work led to an enjoyable rehearsal. The 96 year old 2nd trombone unfortunately didn’t make rehearsal due to the cold, but I managed to meet him later in the pub 😂 🍻.

Check out their version of a classic march (unleash the basses! 😜🔥🔥)

Week 5 of my 2019 new band challenge – Marshfield Brass Band. On one of the coldest nights I’ve had so far ❄️ with a rehearsal in a football club room, this was a really welcoming bunch of community musicians. Once again, some light banter and a good dose of hard work led to an enjoyable rehearsal. The 96 year old 2nd trombone unfortunately didn’t make rehearsal due to the cold, but I managed to meet him later in the pub 😂 🍻. Check out their version of a classic march (unleash the basses! 😜🔥🔥)

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Sunday, 27 January 2019

Phoenix Wind Band – Jan 28 (Week 5)

Week 6 of my 2019 new band challenge – Phoenix Wind Band. Based in Bristol, and rehearsing in a local library with lovely acoustics, this is a very well balanced band with good musicians all round. Items on the menu were Lion King, Heroic Fanfare, Concerto D’Amore and Prelude to Hampstead Heath. I even attempted sight reading the Eupho part to the Prelude, but I’d rather not show you that video, so here’s the Lion King! Get your tissues out.

Week 6 2019 New Band Challenge – Phoenix Wind Band

Week 6 of my 2019 new band challenge – Phoenix Wind Band. Based in Bristol, and rehearsing in a local library with lovely acoustics, this is a very well balanced band with good musicians all round. Items on the menu were Lion King, Heroic Fanfare, Concerto D’Amore and Prelude to Hampstead Heath. I even attempted sight reading the Eupho part to the Prelude, but I’d rather not show you that video, so here’s the Lion King! Get your tissues out. I’m currently in Wye, Kent for the whole of February. At the moment I have one brass band, three big bands and no wind bands – enough for the month, but if you want me to pop by, leave your details in the comments.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Friday, 1 February 2019

Kent Police Band – Feb 6 (Week 6)

Week 7 of my 2019 new band challenge – Kent Police Band. For those who haven’t seen these posts before, I’m an Aussie trombonist/composer/conductor trying to visit one new band every week for the whole year.

Great atmosphere in rehearsal with this lot, in probably the most secure band room ever! Really enjoyed the light hearted approach from conductor John Groves, with plenty of banter back and forth from the band. A good selection of music to play, see if you can guess their upcoming concert theme: Ben Hur, I’ll Walk With God, Mamma Mia, Wicked and Greatest Showman. Haven’t played I’ll Walk With God in years, so especially enjoyed that cracking arrangement by Goff Richards.

Week 7 of my 2019 new band challenge – Kent Police Band. For those who haven’t seen these posts before, I’m an Aussie trombonist/composer/conductor trying to visit one new band every week for the whole year. Great atmosphere in rehearsal with this lot, in probably the most secure band room ever! Really enjoyed the light hearted approach from conductor John Groves, with plenty of banter back and forth from the band. A good selection of music to play, see if you can guess their upcoming concert theme: Ben Hur, I’ll Walk With God, Mamma Mia, Wicked and Greatest Showman. Haven’t played I’ll Walk With God in years, so especially enjoyed that cracking arrangement by Goff Richards. As always, let me know in the comments if you want me to come to your rehearsal. Brass, wind, jazz and kazoo bands all welcome. I usually bring an arrangement of mine you can play through if you want to try some new music as well, and always keen for a chat and a pint after.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Friday, 8 February 2019

Contra Swing Band – Feb 13 (Week 7)

Week 8 of my 2019 new band challenge – Contra Swing Band, based in Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex.

This was a little bit of a drive, but due to Valentines Day, the only band I could make it to this week. A tight sounding band with top players on each line, a good variety of ages and an enjoyable rehearsal. I also gave out more business cards at this rehearsal than usual, which means that either plenty of bands need trombone players in this area, or there’s too many bands!

Thanks guys for making me feel welcome – especially pulling out all the solo features for me. This video is one of those, although I can’t quite remember the name of the tune. See if you can pick it.

Week 8 of 2019 new band challenge – Contra Swing Band

Week 8 of my 2019 new band challenge – Contra Swing Band, based in Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex. This was a little bit of a drive, but due to Valentines Day, the only band I could make it to this week. A tight sounding band with top players on each line, a good variety of ages and an enjoyable rehearsal. I also gave out more business cards at this rehearsal than usual, which means that either plenty of bands need trombone players in this area, or there’s too many bands! Thanks guys for making me feel welcome – especially pulling out all the solo features for me. This video is one of those, although I can’t quite remember the name of the tune. See if you can pick it. I’m in Kent until the end of Feb, then in Ireland for two weeks, back to Cranbrook, Kent for the last two weeks of March. April is in Burwash, East Sussex and May is Bletchingley, Surrey. As always, let me know if you would like me to come to your bands rehearsal.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Lisa Davies Big Band – Feb 19 (Week 8)

Week 9 of my New Band Challenge 2019 – The Lisa Davies Big Band. This week, a horn only sectional for a very good band, playing mainly funk and contemp tunes. Thanks Steve Nathan for the invite.

This is A Few Good Men – Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, brilliant chart, but pretty hard to get everything together, and play it up to tempo. Have a listen to the bone player next to me on the unison lines, super clean! I need to do more work on my articulation (practice time!)

Planning on going back next week so they can play through some of my arrangements, maybe Pilbot’s Revenge will get a run through 🙂

Funnily enough, they don’t gig much. I think they should, as this stuff needs to be heard.

Week 9 New Band Challenge 2019 – Lisa Davies Big Band

Week 9 of my New Band Challenge 2019 – The Lisa Davies Big Band. This week, a horn only sectional for a very good band, playing mainly funk and contemp tunes. Thanks Steve Nathan for the invite. This is A Few Good Men – Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, brilliant chart, but pretty hard to get everything together, and play it up to tempo. Have a listen to the bone player next to me on the unison lines, super clean! I need to do more work on my articulation (practice time!) Planning on going back next week so they can play through some of my arrangements, maybe Pilbot’s Revenge will get a run through 🙂 Funnily enough, they don’t gig much. I think they should, as this stuff needs to be heard. One more week in Kent, then Ireland (where my bands at?) Cranbrook, Kent from March 19-20 Burwash, East Sussex for April Bletchingley, Surrey for May Fingers crossed for a 3 month sit in Southampton after that (South west Bands hit me up) Please follow my facebook page, and feel free to share this with everyone.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Thursday, 21 February 2019

West Kent Big Band – Feb 24 (Week 9)

Week 9 of my 2019 New Band Challenge (I think I skipped week 4!) – West Kent Big Band.

I was asked by a trombonist I’d met at the Contra Swing Band to dep at a pub gig in Tonbridge for this band, so it was a good opportunity to see a new band in action. It was a good sized audience for the venue and the band played a selection of older big band classics like In The Mood, through to crowd favourites Copacobana and Pink Panther.

This video is a short excerpt of the Rocky theme, Gonna Fly Now. Featuring some excellent lead trumpet playing and a energetic sound. It’s only short because when I turned the camera I didn’t check if you could see anything, and who wants to look at a ceiling for a whole minute! (Might be slightly better than my trombone faces lol)

Really enjoyed the gig, so thanks to Sarah Kent-Davies for the invite and the band for welcoming me 🙂

Week 9 2019 New Band Challenge – West Kent Big Band

Week 9 of my 2019 New Band Challenge (I think I skipped week 4!) – West Kent Big Band. I was asked by a trombonist I’d met at the Contra Swing Band to dep at a pub gig in Tonbridge for this band, so it was a good opportunity to see a new band in action. It was a good sized audience for the venue and the band played a selection of older big band classics like In The Mood, through to crowd favourites Copacobana and Pink Panther. This video is a short excerpt of the Rocky theme, Gonna Fly Now. Featuring some excellent lead trumpet playing and a energetic sound. It’s only short because when I turned the camera I didn’t check if you could see anything, and who wants to look at a ceiling for a whole minute! (Might be slightly better than my trombone faces lol) Really enjoyed the gig, so thanks to Sarah Kent-Davies for the invite and the band for welcoming me 🙂 One more week in Kent, then Ireland (where my bands at?) Cranbrook, Kent from March 19-20 Burwash, East Sussex for April Bletchingley, Surrey for May A 3 month sit in Southampton after that (South west Bands hit me up) Please follow my facebook page, and feel free to share this with everyone.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Monday, 25 February 2019

Murley Silver Band – March 4 (Week 10)

Week 10 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Murley Silver Band. Based in Northern Ireland, this was a bit of a trek from where I was staying in Carrick on Shannon, but well worth the drive through some terrible weather on ordinary roads.

A championship band fresh off the local competition, I enjoyed playing at the higher level after a few lower section bands lately. They were also the most inquisitive band I’ve come across, which was nice to be able to really explain why the hell I was at their rehearsal 😂

I’m lucky that I’ve been over to Ireland a few times to visit my girlfriends family and friends, because the conductor had a wicked drawl and certainly kept my ears on their toes.

Pick the classic piece. One of my favourite endings of any piece I’ve ever played.

Week 10 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Murley Silver Band. Based in Northern Ireland, this was a bit of a trek from where I was staying in Carrick on Shannon, but well worth the drive through some terrible weather on ordinary roads. A championship band fresh off the local competition, I enjoyed playing at the higher level after a few lower section bands lately. They were also the most inquisitive band I’ve come across, which was nice to be able to really explain why the hell I was at their rehearsal 😂 I’m lucky that I’ve been over to Ireland a few times to visit my girlfriends family and friends, because the conductor had a wicked drawl and certainly kept my ears on their toes. Pick the classic piece. One of my favourite endings of any piece I’ve ever played. Going to be in Cardiff later on this week, any bands practicing on the Thursday or Friday?

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Matt Lush Big Band – March 15 (Week 11)

Week 11 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – a new, as yet unnamed big band in Cardiff!

I was lucky enough to bump into a friend at the Tiny Rebel Jazz: Duski event on Thursday night, who invited me to the very first rehearsal of a brand new ensemble. Full of young talented musicians, I was really happy to see the level of musicianship so high, with a bit of a lull in new big bands in the area.

This is a short excerpt from a Roy Hargrove tune. No bass player for the rehearsal, which was a shame. I enjoyed doubling up 3rd and Bass Bone, with some phat notes and bitey edge.

Week 11 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – a new, as yet unnamed big band in Cardiff! I was lucky enough to bump into a friend at the Tiny Rebel Jazz: Duski event on Thursday night, who invited me to the very first rehearsal of a brand new ensemble. Full of young talented musicians, I was really happy to see the level of musicianship so high, with a bit of a lull in new big bands in the area. This is a short excerpt from a Roy Hargrove tune. No bass player for the rehearsal, which was a shame. I enjoyed doubling up 3rd and Bass Bone, with some phat notes and bitey edge. Keep my streak going! Kent for two weeks, East Sussex in April, Surrey in May.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Sunday, 17 March 2019

Cranbrook Town Band / Orbi Playa Big Band – March 21/24 (Week 12)

Week 12 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Cranbrook Town Band / Orbi Playa Big Band.

This week, we’re in a repeat house sit with two brilliant Vizsla’s and a Mini Poodle in Cranbook, so I had to visit Cranbrook Town Band. But seeing as I’ve actually been to a rehearsal with them before, I planned to also head to the Orbi Playa Big Band in Canterbury, as I had been asked to dep for a rehearsal.

Unfortunately, the numbers at Orbi were a bit light, so I didn’t actually take a video (half a rhythm section and only two saxes). But I was pleased that they played through my new arrangement of Making Whoopee, and happy that it sounded as I imagined. (You can get it here: https://bit.ly/2YpUavi)

So Cranbrook – under the direction of Ian Lanceley, they are a well drilled unit with a full band every week, coming off a full sweep of the regional comps and going from strength to strength. There’s a fervour in this bandroom, with a lot of good people invested in the direction of the band. I’m always impressed with the sound they produce, nice and full.

This recording is my new original hymntune – Hymn For Barney. Dedicated to a plucky little Westie we looked after last year, I’m really glad they were able to play this for me. I put the phone down to play the piece halfway through, so instead of looking at the ceiling, I’ve put a few cute doggy pictures into the video. I hope you enjoy it! P.S. you can buy it here: https://bit.ly/2NuOz1y

Week 12 of 2019 New Band Challenge – Cranbrook Town Band

Week 12 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Cranbrook Town Band / Orbi Playa Big Band. This week, we’re in a repeat house sit with two brilliant Vizsla’s and a Mini Poodle in Cranbook, so I had to visit Cranbrook Town Band. But seeing as I’ve actually been to a rehearsal with them before, I planned to also head to the Orbi Playa Big Band in Canterbury, as I had been asked to dep for a rehearsal. Unfortunately, the numbers at Orbi were a bit light, so I didn’t actually take a video (half a rhythm section and only two saxes). But I was pleased that they played through my new arrangement of Making Whoopee, and happy that it sounded as I imagined. (You can get it here: https://bit.ly/2YpUavi) So Cranbrook – under the direction of Ian Lanceley, they are a well drilled unit with a full band every week, coming off a full sweep of the regional comps and going from strength to strength. There’s a fervour in this bandroom, with a lot of good people invested in the direction of the band. I’m always impressed with the sound they produce, nice and full. This recording is my new original hymntune – Hymn For Barney. Dedicated to a plucky little Westie we looked after last year, I’m really glad they were able to play this for me. I put the phone down to play the piece halfway through, so instead of looking at the ceiling, I’ve put a few cute doggy pictures into the video. I hope you enjoy it! P.S. you can buy it here: https://bit.ly/2NuOz1y

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Monday, 25 March 2019

Beached Brass – March 28 (Week 13)

Week 13 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Beached Brass

On a beautiful sunny day, I headed down to Brighton to join a new venture by Gabriel Garrick. Aiming to recreate the New Orleans street band style, this is a relaxed jam-style band that learns tunes on the day by ear, and then uses jazz language to hold a conversation (or something like that).

This was very therapeutic for me, food for my musical soul. The freedom to play what you want, as long as you’re joining in the conversation is brilliant, and definitely opens my mind to new possibilities as a musician.

We’re settled into our new house sit near Burwash, East Sussex. Going to be around this area for the next couple of months, so if you’d like me to come to your rehearsal, to play, watch, conduct or bring a few charts of mine to play, comment below.

Week 13 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Beached Brass On a beautiful sunny day, I headed down to Brighton to join a new venture by Gabriel Garrick. Aiming to recreate the New Orleans street band style, this is a relaxed jam-style band that learns tunes on the day by ear, and then uses jazz language to hold a conversation (or something like that). This was very therapeutic for me, food for my musical soul. The freedom to play what you want, as long as you’re joining in the conversation is brilliant, and definitely opens my mind to new possibilities as a musician. We’re settled into our new house sit near Burwash, East Sussex. Going to be around this area for the next couple of months, so if you’d like me to come to your rehearsal, to play, watch, conduct or bring a few charts of mine to play, comment below.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Sounds of Swing Big Band – April 2 (Week 14)

As part of my 2019 New Band Challenge, I visited Sounds of Swing, based in a cool looking pub in Herstmonceux. A community big band that does a few gigs a year, mostly playing classic swing charts with their vocalist Gill Berryman.

With nearly a full band (they’re always short on trombonists) their sound was full and swing was cool. I enjoyed playing through a few charts I hadn’t seen, and was invited along for the gig on Sunday lunch at the same venue.

I was pleased that they played through my new arrangement of Makin’ Whoopee (available here: https://bit.ly/2USNOWn) even with a few mistakes, but with a killer solo on tenor sax, try and pick the quote in the last 8. Also features a bit of drum tastiness. I hope you enjoy the video.

Worthing Silver Band – April 10 (Week 15)

Week 15 of my 2019 New Band Challenge – Worthing Silver Band

A non-contesting brass band, they are well known for their Brassbandathon, which raises loads of funds for charity in an all-day brass band extravaganza.

The rehearsals are in a very live church hall, with players of all ages, and led by a strong MD in Laura King. Unusual to see a left handed conductor, but she wields an iron baton to marshall her troops.

I was pleased that rehearsal started with a classic – Vaughan Williams Folk Songs Suite and enjoyed navigating some tricky movie music with the band. The video is of A Klezmer Karnival, by Philip Sparke, which is an exciting piece with lots of fun bits. Nothing much to write home about for trombone, but I managed to have a bit of fun bopping along and yelling the wrong word at the end! Hope you enjoy the video.

Uckfield Concert Brass – April 16 (Week 16)

2019 New Band Challenge (Week 16) – Uckfield Concert Brass

Continuing on my East Sussex tour, this week I encountered Uckfield Concert Brass. A non-contesting community band that rehearses in a pub function room, this band just returned from a tour of Wales and boast a full band with committed members.

Another rehearsal where upon entering the room, I was shown towards the 1st trombone chair by an excited trombone section. This was probably the most amount of blowing I’ve done in a rehearsal in a while, with the majority of tunes played from the Salvation Army publications. From Mozart to Heaton, most of the arrangements heavy and slow, but I really enjoyed reminiscing about my time growing up playing with Salvation Army bands.

The band has a really nice full sound and the conductor Nick Morris has a great rapport with the members, leading to a pleasant and relaxed rehearsal. I’ll definitely look to drop in again to this band in the future.

LGB Brass – April 25 (Week 17)

2019 New Band Challenge – Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band – LGB Brass (Week 17)

This week I headed down to historic Lewes to visit another brass band in the area. A solid, capable band with a experienced conductor in Ian Stewart, they are preparing for a entertainment contest in a month time, and already their program is sounding polished. Featuring good soloists, a great ensemble sound and tight timing, I enjoyed playing a little of a few parts from 1st Tbn, 2nd (2nd) Tbn to 1st Baritone next to Chris Yate!

Especially enjoyable this week was the pub session after, with lots of friendly conversations, a great pork pie and ale, and some good banter. This video is the classic piece that every band has probably played, but the only video I managed to take on the night. Have fun listening to me navigate the tricky baritone lines on trombone. It clearly wasn’t written with the slide in mind!

Next stop is Bletchingley, Surrey for four weeks. After that 2 weeks of uncertainty then 3 and a half months in Southampton! I would absolutely love to add some Salvation Army bands to my list, so if you know anyone involved with one, please let me know.

2019 New Band Challenge – Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band – LGB Brass (Week 17) This week I headed down to historic Lewes to visit another brass band in the area. A solid, capable band with a experienced conductor in Ian Stewart, they are preparing for a entertainment contest in a month time, and already their program is sounding polished. Featuring good soloists, a great ensemble sound and tight timing, I enjoyed playing a little of a few parts from 1st Tbn, 2nd (2nd) Tbn to 1st Baritone next to Chris Yate! Especially enjoyable this week was the pub session after, with lots of friendly conversations, a great pork pie and ale, and some good banter. This video is the classic piece that every band has probably played, but the only video I managed to take on the night. Have fun listening to me navigate the tricky baritone lines on trombone. It clearly wasn’t written with the slide in mind! Next stop is Bletchingley, Surrey for four weeks. After that 2 weeks of uncertainty then 3 and a half months in Southampton! I would absolutely love to add some Salvation Army bands to my list, so if you know anyone involved with one, please let me know.

Posted by Michael Pilley Music on Monday, 29 April 2019

You Are Good | I’ll Fight | Salvation Army Music Publishing

You Are Good | I’ll Fight | Salvation Army Music Publishing

I’m proud of my Salvation Army heritage, having gained valuable experience as a trombonist and arranger with the Melbourne Staff Band, Ringwood Corps Band and Preston Corps Band. I created a number of arrangements from my time with those bands and was lucky enough to work with Silvie Paladino, The Idea Of North, Phil Smith and other amazing artists. A couple of the arrangements made their way into the Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory’s  Music Publishing arm, and you can find the links below. Stay tuned for more of these arrangements as I update my site.

You Are Good

I’ll Fight

Just A Closer Walk Brass Band

Just A Closer Walk With Thee | Brass Band

Just A Closer Walk With Thee | Brass Band

The Creation

In 2006, I was part of the Melbourne Staff Band‘s tour of the USA & Canada, and was pleased to be asked to write a piece to commence the second half of their concert. Ken Waterworth, the conductor, wanted something that would bring the band onto the stage, and then have them leave to introduce our vocalist, Rebecca Raymond. I chose the spiritual Just A Closer Walk With Thee, and ended up using a 5 piece “dixieland” style ensemble to achieve this effect.

The Arrangement

It proved to be a popular piece, but because it was tailor made for that concert, no other bands played it…until now! I’ve rewritten the ending and brought the band back, so it is perfect for the band who would like to feature a small group in the middle of a piece.

The arrangement starts off with a lush, jazz harmony inspired chorale, and weaves its way through a slow swing section, into a brushes solo (a la “Cute”) and finally into the dixieland combo, who whirl and twirl through the tune until the full band comes back in with a big chorale ending. Scored for Salvation Army Festival band, this arrangement is geared towards 1st and 2nd section bands (UK) and features every section in the band at some stage. A great concert opener and feature tune.

The Video

Check out one of my first Youtube mockup videos!

The Red Planet | Brass Band | Cardiff UniBrass Winner 2014

Original Composition

Full of anger and angst, The Red Planet portrays the closest neighbour to Earth as a vicious, warlike planet.  Drawing on the vastness of space to create a never ending atmosphere, this march should be played with ferocity and purpose, as if Mars itself was compelling you to declare war on the universe.

Winner of the Cardiff UniBrass Composition Competition in 2014, The Red Planet is a march for full band at a 1st section difficulty. The piece can be underscored by the first track from NASA’s Symphonies of the Planets and features corrugaphones and thundersheets in the percussion section.

Luminosity | Trombone Ensemble | Original Composition

Slide Factory 2013 Composition Competition

I was incredibly lucky to be chosen as a finalist in the Slide Factory 2013 Composition Competition with my piece Luminosity. Attending the weekend, I was blown away by the New Trombone Collectives rendition of my piece.

Judged by Johan de Meij, Hans Koolmees, George Wiegel and the New Trombone Collective, I was unfortunately not the winner.  However, I had an amazing time rubbing shoulders with some of the great trombonists of our time in Ian Bousfield, Bill Watrous and many more. As part of making the final, my piece has been published by the New Trombone Collective.

You can buy the piece here

Luminosity

Written as an exploration into the brightness of the modern trombone, Luminosity takes the names of its movements from the brightest objects in the universe, the stars; and as an additional subtitle, aspects of luminosity.  Accompanying the two Alto Trombones and six Tenor Trombones are audio files created by scientists through asteroseismology; detecting the frequencies at which a star vibrates and artificially boosting those frequencies into human hearing range.

The work is written mostly in the upper register of both Alto and Tenor trombones and should encourage a bright tone from the players.

What is Music Engraving & Typesetting?

Before the digital age, music notation was either copied by hand or set using a musical notation typewriter. It was a time consuming affair, and was prone to mistakes. These days, most composers elect to use software such as Sibelius or Finale to engrave their music. The terms typesetting, engraving and copying are these days mostly interchangeable, and usually refer to tweaking an already existing file to make it “print ready”. I tend to refer to it as making the music “beautiful”, as the default settings in notation programs are typically flawed.

Music engraving is the art of drawing music notation at high quality for the purpose of mechanical reproduction. The term music copying is almost equivalent—though music engraving implies a higher degree of skill and quality, usually for publication. (Wikipedia)

We’ve all seen badly set notation, and it makes the music much harder to rehearse and perform. Basic notation principles are designed solely to make music more readable and when these are ignored, mistakes are most often made by the musicians. A good engraver also has the ability to find mistakes in the composition of the music, whether it’s dynamic consistency or small mistakes in the harmonies. Sometimes the role of editor is taken on by the engraver as well, so a good knowledge of musical theory and composition is essential.

Have you seen bad examples of engraving? Or perhaps you’re a composer who doesn’t have the time or nous to painstakingly check and set every part in an orchestration? An engraver could be the missing link in getting your piece performed and published.

 

Michael Pilley Music

Pilbot’s Revenge | Big Band | Original Composition

Pilbot’s Revenge is written for Big Band, with solo sections for trombone, saxes and trumpet. Each horn section is featured at times during the piece and there is an open improvisation section for the full band.

The theme is centred around a 9 note motive and is set over a diminished 7th chord progression. Starting off in a funk style, driven by the bass, the piece moves into a half-time feel featuring a wailing alto sax and saxophone section feature, moving into an energetic samba that descends into chaos, before a driving swing style finishes the piece off.

Originally composed for the Kool Skools album competition during my time at Blackburn High School, this piece was given new life and three more movements during a recording project by the Blackburn Big Band, made up of alumni of the HS.

The recording is from that session and features solos on trombone, alto sax, tenor sax and trumpet.

Music Engraving | Composing | Arranging | Transcribing

Engraving

Having worked for most major music publishers, I have extensive experience in typesetting, including proof reading and editing. What most musicians don’t consider is how much work goes into setting a musical work to enable efficient sight reading, and making sure that the notation is consistent to provide the best chance for a beautiful performance. With experience setting in all genres, my scores and parts are clear and well balanced, so why not contact us to see how inexpensive getting your composition typeset is.

Compositions

An award winning composer, I am available for commissions for all ensembles. With contemporary musical influences, my works stretch common musical boundaries and are entertaining for the performer and listener. Able to tailor any commission to your needs and instrumentation, why not contact us to see what I can write for you.

Transcriptions

I can provide highly accurate transcriptions of any audio, for any ensemble. With decades of experience creating bespoke transcriptions for professional artists and music publishers, my work is accurate and quick. Past transcriptions I have done range from full brass band, big band, orchestral and popular music and are note for note accuracy guaranteed.

Arrangements

Whether a bespoke arrangement of your favourite tune, or an arrangement resembling your favourite track. For your specific ensemble, I can create this quickly and affordably. Clients range from British Open champions Tredegar Town Band, the Maidstone Wind Symphony and solo artists such as Hilary O’Neil and Justine Balmer, and I am able to deliver professional looking and sounding arrangements that fit your needs and instrumentation.