Homepage > Arrangements > Music Datasheet

"Hello"

GENERAL INFORMATION
Title Hello
ComposerL. Richie (arr: F.G.J. Absil)
Instrum.Concert Band
DateApril 1985 (re-orchestrated in 2011)
Duration3'50
StyleRock Ballad
KeyGm
Meter4/4
Measures58
Tempo62 BPM
Grade2

FULL INSTRUMENTATION

A musical score excerpt
  • Piccolo, Flute 1-2, Oboe 1-(2), Bassoon (1)-(2), Eb Clarinet, Clarinet in Bb 1-2-3, Bass Clarinet;
  • Alto Saxophone 1-2, Tenor Saxophone 1-2, Baritone Saxophone;
  • French Horn 1-2-3, Trumpet 1-2-3 (solo feature for Trumpet 1), Trombone 1-2-3-(4), Baritone 1-2, Tuba;
  • Guitar, Keyboard (E.Piano, Celesta), Double Bass (or Bass Guitar), Drums;
  • Timpani, Percussion (2 players: bar chimes, congas, shaker, snare drum, triangle), Mallets (glockenspiel, vibraphone).

NOTES FOR THE PERFORMER

This arrangement of Hello is an easy rock ballad for concert band. The piece consists of two verses, three choruses, a bridge, introduction and coda. The solo trumpet plays most of the lead melody: e.g., see the first verse (m. 7 [A]) and 2nd/3rd chorus (m. 37 and m. 50 [G]). The introduction has soft saxophones that provide the harmonic groove, and woodwind cluster chords in syncopated 16th notes (m. 3). The saxophones continue into the first verse. In the first chorus (m. 15 [B]) there are unisono saxophones with clarinet and trombone background.

After a brief transition (m. 22 [C]), the second verse (m. 26 [D]) presents the main melody in parallel thirds for bassoons, horn and baritone, with answering motives in high woodwinds (the 16th note figures remind us of the introduction and transition). In the second chorus (m. 34 [E]) high unisono woodwinds play the lead over a re-harmonized saxophone and brass background. A solo drum break leads into the bridge (m. 42 [F]), with the original guitar solo transcribed for baritones and woodwinds. A tutti last chorus (m. 50 [G]) concludes with a two measure coda with symmetric chords.

This piece can be played by a smaller band. There are non-essential parts for Oboe 2, Bassoons, Bass Trombone and Mallets. The brass use frequent muting. In case a Bass Guitar player is missing, assign the full bass line to the tuba (otherwise, apply tacet to the tuba occasionally). Guitar and keyboard may be added for improved rhythmic support (the celesta doubles melodic material).