A Cappella Arranging Books

[dylanbell]

Hello folks!

Dylan Bell here, former Cadence tenor, arranger for Cadence, the Nylons, and a few others, and producer of the most recent Swingle Singers album, Ferris Wheels.

So, I've been thinking about writing a book on acap arranging: in a dream world, this would be a sort of "acap arranger's Bible", useful to anyone from near-beginners, to pro/semi pro groups looking to punch-up their skills, complete with audio examples and other good stuff. Naturally, my first thought was to see what's out there. A (very) preliminary search revealed a few titles, but not a whole lot. So, I'm thinking...

- it's a relatively untapped market, so to speak, OR

- The Definitive A Cappella Arranging Book has already been written, and is sitting on everyone's shelf, and I just haven't seen it, OR

- There's a Damn Good Reason why few people have done it. For example, I'm surprised to see that some of the biggest names in acap arranging haven't written an Arranger's Bible. (Mr. Sharon, I'm a-looking in your direction ;) )

So, I'd love to hear some opinions on this, as well as a few questions:

- What's your favourite book on acap arranging out there?

- Is there a place for another acap arranging book?

- If so, would YOU buy it?

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone!

Yours in Harmony

Dylan
http://www.dylanbell.ca
http://www.freeplayduo.com
original (mostly non-acap) music: http://music.dylanbell.ca

[phollens]

I know Deke has done a few books, that seem to be with nearly every high school choral director I know... Not sure the difficulty level you are talking about....

The world needs more great arranging books though! Do it!

[dekesharon]

Dylan,

Indeed, writing this book has been on my list for, oh, let's say a decade.

I'm absolutely planning on writing one... but have recently been thinking I need a co-author if it's gonna happen before I'm 70.

So, maybe we should team up? Shape of a gorilla, form of a bucket of water?

[phollens]

Dylan,

Indeed, writing this book has been on my list for, oh, let's say a decade.

I'm absolutely planning on writing one... but have recently been thinking I need a co-author if it's gonna happen before I'm 70.

So, maybe we should team up? Shape of a gorilla, form of a bucket of water?

OOooooooOOOo I love this idea. I already hear your beautiful arrangements in my head... yes... lovely. Now send me a free copy and I'll be stoked! ;)

[jmednikow]

I'll buy a copy.

[jduchan]

I know of one book specifically on arranging for collegiate a cappella. Here's a citation:

Callahan, Anna. Anna’s Amazing A Cappella Arranging Advice: The Collegiate A Cappella Arranging Manual. Southwest Harbor, ME: Contemporary A Cappella Publishing, 1995.

I got my copy from a-cappella.com almost 10 years ago. Not sure if they still carry it, but it might be worth checking out before you start your project.

I also deal with arranging a little bit in the book I'm writing on a cappella, but my book isn't a step-by-step instruction manual on a cappella arranging, so it's not like I've covered exactly the same ground. Still, I'd be interested in collaborating too, if you're looking for co-authors!

[dylanbell]

Hey folks

Thanks for all the input so far!

I realized, soon after posting, that I posted in the wrong spot ;) The same post is now over in the "General" forum, so I invite anyone following this thread to continue the discussion over there.

Thanks!

Dylan