Aaron Hettinga

Aaron Hettinga

This arrangement of Britney Spears’s tune “Toxic” gives a horn section a chance to fill up a live performance when no string section is on hand. These horn parts fit right in with the recorded version, while following the key and form of the original track to bring some extra punch to the rhythm section. It also includes cued notes for the horns to additionally double each others’ parts at times if desired.

Really lifts up a live performance!

This arrangement of Rascal Flatts coming-of-age song “My Wish” adds a three piece horn section to fill up a live performance and enhance the core rhythm section. This can really elevate a live performance! These horn parts fit right in with the recorded version, following the key and form of the original track to add some extra depth.

A fantastic song and frequent request for Weddings and Graduations alike!

Also available as a standalone Lead Sheet or with a 5-piece Horn section

This arrangement of Rascal Flatts coming-of-age song “My Wish” adds a five piece horn section to fill up a live performance and enhance the core rhythm section. This can really elevate a live performance! These horn parts fit right in with the recorded version, following the key and form of the original track to add some extra depth.

A fantastic song and frequent request for Weddings and Graduations alike!

Also available as a standalone Lead Sheet or with a 3-piece Horn section

This lead sheet includes melody, lyrics and chords for Rascal Flatts ever popular coming-of-age song, My Wish. A fantastic song for Weddings and Graduations alike!

Also available with 3-piece and 5-piece horn sections

This arrangement of Leo Sayer’s disco-era hit gives a horn section a chance to fill up a performance of “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing." These horn parts fit right in with the recorded version’s string parts, while following the key and form of the original track to bring some extra punch to the rhythm section.

Really lifts up a live performance!

This arrangement of this Dua Lipa hit gives a horn section a chance to fill up a performance of “Don't Start Now." These horn parts fit right in with the recorded version, while following the key and form of the original track to bring some extra punch to the rhythm section. While the original track doesn’t have horns recorded on it, these parts emulate the recorded string and synth lines where appropriate.

Really lifts up a live performance!

This arrangement of this Harry Styles summer fun tune gives a horn section a chance to fill up a performance of “Watermelon Sugar." These horn parts fit right in with the recorded version, while following the key and form of the original track to bring some extra punch to the rhythm section. It also includes cued notes for the horns to double some of the guitar lines if desired.

Really lifts up a live performance!

This arrangement of this Lionel Richie classic gives a horn section a chance to fill up a performance of “All Night Long (All Night)." This horn chart follows the key and form of the original track to bring some extra punch to the rhythm section.

In this edition, the notated horn parts follow the horn parts in the recording rather than trying to emulate other synth lines. Additionally, since several different versions of this single have been released over the years, there are a large number of textual notations by section to make it easier to hang with any wayward vocalist.

Really lifts up a live performance!

THE polka classic! Beer Barrel Polka is presented here in an arrangement for the instrumentation of Alford’s “Hungry Five” series of Polka band books. In this edition the popular melody gets passed around between the sections and fun accompaniment patterns sneak in from time to time to keep things interesting for players and listeners alike. The familiar TRIO section is likely to get a whole bunch of partiers singing right along with your ensemble.

Every Hungry Five band should have this chart at the ready at all times as it gets requested so often. There are no extreme range or technical challenges in this arrangement for the most part, so even fairly young ensembles could use this to include some polka fun on a German band performance. Ready to go for your Oktoberfest OomPah gig!

Also available for Rhythm Section/Vocals and 2 Horns

This fun polka classic is presented here in an arrangement for the instrumentation of Alford’s “Hungry Five” series of Polka band books. In this edition of the song, each instrument or section gets featured at some point. The brasses begin with a trumpet lead, the clarinets take over the melody for a strain, and to wrap things up even the tuba and trombone get featured solos with varying accompaniments from the remaining instruments.

There are no extreme range or technical challenges in this arrangement for the most part, so even fairly young ensembles could use this to include some polka fun on a German band performance. Ready to go for your Oktoberfest OomPah gig!

(Please note that the demo recording substitutes Soprano Sax and Trumpets for the Clarinet parts, but they still sound as written)

This arrangement of this Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic collab gives a horn section a chance to fill up a performance of “Leave the Door Open." These horn parts play a similar role as the string section on the recording, while following the key and form of the original track to bring some extra punch to the rhythm section.

Really lifts up a live performance!

Nathaniel C. Davis was a cornetist, educator, bandleader, composer and later publisher at the N.C. Davis Music Company of Nashville, Tennessee.

During the 1910's he Taught at Nashville's Fisk university having instructed the notable trumpeter Doc Cheatham. He also taught with the Tennessee School for the Blind as well as serving as President and educator for the Traveling Conservatory of Music that he formed.

Besides leading and performing with his own N.C. Davis band, he was also known as Music Director and General Manager of the Lebanon Band and later served as music director with the Gantry Brothers Circus Band.

Davis' Trombone Family of compositions consists of 5 known pieces written for concert band between 1916 and 1921, of which Master Trombone (1919) was the fourth.

Other Nathaniel Davis works for Trombone and Piano:

Additional information on the preparation of these arrangements is available in the free download, Arranging the Works of N.C. Davis

In the summer of 2020, Aaron Hettinga did a number of arrangements of works by composer Nathaniel C. Davis.

During the course of these arranging projects, Aaron kept tabs on the nature of the work done and assembled his observations into a non-scholarly paper, posted here for free download. In this writing, there are collected observations on the style of the pieces, insights into the necessary arranging decisions and so on. 

This free pdf download (below) will be of interest to those curious about Nathaniel Davis, his works, early 20th century trombone music, and arranging techniques. 

Other Nathaniel Davis works for Trombone and Piano:

Nathaniel C. Davis was a cornetist, educator, bandleader, composer and later publisher at the N.C. Davis Music Company of Nashville, Tennessee.

During the 1910's he Taught at Nashville's Fisk university having instructed the notable trumpeter Doc Cheatham. He also taught with the Tennessee School for the Blind as well as serving as President and educator for the Traveling Conservatory of Music that he formed.

Besides leading and performing with his own N.C. Davis band, he was also known as Music Director and General Manager of the Lebanon Band and later served as music director with the Gantry Brothers Circus Band.

Davis' Trombone Family of compositions consists of 5 known pieces written for concert band between 1916 and 1921, of which Oh Slip It Man (1916) was the first.

Other Nathaniel Davis works for Trombone and Piano:

Additional information on the preparation of these arrangements is available in the free download, Arranging the Works of N.C. Davis

Nathaniel C. Davis was a cornetist, educator, bandleader, composer and later publisher at the N.C. Davis Music Company of Nashville, Tennessee.

During the 1910's he Taught at Nashville's Fisk university having instructed the notable trumpeter Doc Cheatham. He also taught with the Tennessee School for the Blind as well as serving as President and educator for the Traveling Conservatory of Music that he formed.

Besides leading and performing with his own N.C. Davis band, he was also known as Music Director and General Manager of the Lebanon Band and later served as music director with the Gantry Brothers Circus Band.

Davis' Trombone Family of compositions consists of 5 known pieces written for concert band between 1916 and 1921, of which Trombone Français (1921) was the last, written in tribute of his overseas service during WWI.

Other Nathaniel Davis works for Trombone and Piano:

Additional information on the preparation of these arrangements is available in the free download, Arranging the Works of N.C. Davis

Nathaniel C. Davis was a cornetist, educator, bandleader, composer and later publisher at the N.C. Davis Music Company of Nashville, Tennessee.

During the 1910's he Taught at Nashville's Fisk university having instructed the notable trumpeter Doc Cheatham. He also taught with the Tennessee School for the Blind as well as serving as President and educator for the Traveling Conservatory of Music that he formed.

Besides leading and performing with his own N.C. Davis band, he was also known as Music Director and General Manager of the Lebanon Band and later served as music director with the Gantry Brothers Circus Band.

Davis' Trombone Family of compositions consists of 5 known pieces written for concert band between 1916 and 1921, of which Mr. Trombonology (1917) was the second.

Other Nathaniel Davis works for Trombone and Piano:

Additional information on the preparation of these arrangements is available in the free download, Arranging the Works of N.C. Davis

Nathaniel C. Davis was a cornetist, educator, bandleader, composer and later publisher at the N.C. Davis Music Company of Nashville, Tennessee.

During the 1910's he Taught at Nashville's Fisk university having instructed the notable trumpeter Doc Cheatham. He also taught with the Tennessee School for the Blind as well as serving as President and educator for the Traveling Conservatory of Music that he formed.

Besides leading and performing with his own N.C. Davis band, he was also known as Music Director and General Manager of the Lebanon Band and later served as music director with the Gantry Brothers Circus Band.

Davis' Trombone Family of compositions consists of 5 known pieces written for concert band between 1916 and 1921, of which Miss Trombonism (1918) was the third.

Other Nathaniel Davis works for Trombone and Piano:

Additional information on the preparation of these arrangements is available in the free download, Arranging the Works of N.C. Davis

Bette Midler’s fun and quirky rendition of this Christmas ditty is available here as a vocal feature with 3 horns and Rhythm Section accompaniment. It follows her recording in key (D Major) and in form.

The horn section parts emulate the big band ensemble hits, providing a similar sound but with a smaller complement of players. The first trumpet part remains similar to the big band lead trumpet part rangewise. There is a small interlude that allows for a short improvised solo; chord changes are provided with all of the brass parts to feature your best soloist.

The Rhythm/Lead part works as a condensed part that gives the chord changes and general hits for rhythm players and/or conductor, but individual parts are provided for all. The Guitar and Bass parts still use slashes but the Piano part offers a fully notated option. The Percussion part (sleigh bells) is optional.

This song is always a great crowd pleaser and is a great showoff tune for your female vocalist!

Also availible for full Big Band or Brass Quintet horn sections.

Bette Midler’s fun and quirky rendition of this Christmas ditty is available here as a vocal feature with Brass Quintet and Rhythm Section accompaniment. It follows her recording in key (D Major) and in form.

Brass quintet parts emulate the big band ensemble hits, providing a similar sound but with a smaller complement of players. The first trumpet part remains similar to the big band lead trumpet part rangewise. There is a small interlude that allows for a short improvised solo; chord changes are provided with all of the brass parts to feature your best soloist.

The Rhythm/Lead part works as a condensed part that gives the chord changes and general hits for rhythm players and/or conductor, but individual parts are provided for all. The Guitar and Bass parts still use slashes but the Piano part offers a fully notated option. The Percussion part (sleigh bells) is optional.

This song is always a great crowd pleaser and is a great showoff tune for your female vocalist!

Also availible for full Big Band or reduced 3-piece horn sections

Bette Midler’s fun and quirky rendition of this Christmas ditty is available here as a vocal feature with full Big Band accompaniment. It follows her recording in key (D Major) and in form.

Lots of exciting hits and fun interplay within the ensemble. Range-wise, the first trumpet part pops out a few high E’s (concert D). There is a small interlude that varies from the string instrumentation from the recording in favor of a clarinet lead over Miller-style “Sweet” saxes. Alto 2 doubles here on clarinet.

The Rhythm/Lead part works as a condensed part that gives the chord changes and general hits for rhythm players and/or conductor, but individual parts are provided for all. The Guitar and Bass parts still use slashes but the Piano part offers a fully notated option. The Percussion part (sleigh bells) is optional.

This song is always a great crowd pleaser and is a great showoff tune for your female vocalist!

Also availible for reduced horn sections: 3-piece or Brass Quintet

Here's a fun and easily accessible arrangement of the holiday classic “Feliz Navidad” for Trombone duet. Both parts remain active throughout. The melody stays with the first part while the second part keeps interesting, at times with rhythmic accompaniment and at other times in direct harmony. This will work well with young players on either part.

Scored for 2 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone will work just fine on the second part as well, though nothing goes higher than the D above middle C, nor below the G at the bottom of the staff.

A great option for beginning players to enjoy playing Christmas music as duet partners!

My Favorite Things – inspired by Kelly Clarkson and arranged for 3 Horns and Rhythm Section  Set in the original key of Em.  Also note that the string parts are optional and the keyboard part only has chord symbols.  A synth/String Reduction part is included that covers all the string parts. This is fairly easy to play though it sounds tougher on the recording. 

Also available with accompaniments for 5 Brass and Full Big Band

Lead Sheet with Piano Intro and chords for the Kari Jobe / Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir song. Key of G.

This A Cappella performance by the Gatlin Brothers is presented here for trombone trio or quartet. As the Gatlin Brothers are a vocal trio, playing this arrangement without the 4th part will still remain faithful to the original performances.

Performance notes - Range: On the top end, the first part goes as high as an A-flat above the staff and the bottom part has an optional pedal A-flat as well. None of these parts present great technical challenges but present an opportunity to display ensemble section playing.

A great option for a reflective moment when used in a worship setting.

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