Date

4-18-2025

Department

School of Music

Degree

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Chair

John Wilkerson

Keywords

Wind Band, Wind Ensemble, Wind Band Transcription, Transcription, Wind Band Literature, Wind Band History

Disciplines

Music

Abstract

Transcriptions have played a significant role in wind band literature since the end of the Renaissance period. Due to a desire for more significant original band works in the1900s and the existence of many low-quality transcriptions, conductors often view orchestral transcription as a lesser part of the wind band canon. Contemporary wind band transcriptions like Re(new)al by Viet Cuong, Bells for Stokowski by Michael Daugherty, and Masks and Machines by Paul Dooley are significant works in both the orchestral and band repertoire. This study investigates how instrumentation, sonic variety, acceptance of new music by wind band conductors, composition prizes, and conferences play a role in the success of these pieces in the band world. The research underpinning this study includes a literature review and composer/conductor interviews. Existing literature focuses on the quality, history, and place in the repertoire of transcriptions. This qualitative study identified factors contributing to the success of contemporary works recomposed/transcribed by their original creator. In highlighting the musical and non-musical influences on composers and conductors, this study establishes the importance and need for more recomposed transcriptions. As the literature canon of wind bands evolves and solidifies, it is essential to reevaluate options and perspectives related to transcriptions. There is added value to breaking down mindsets that define and limit compositions as being restricted to one type of musical medium. As wind bands look to new recomposed music, opportunities will open for composers, conductors, performers, and educators.

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