Formats | Multi-Level Masterpiece
Format 1: Most of our publicly-available Multi-Level Masterpiece pieces use this format. These arrangements feature parts ranging from a foundational player on their first day of instruction typically through a difficulty grade four. This format was developed and utilized largely as part of the Aspen Music Festival’s Mariachi Workshop allowing students with 0-8 years of experience to learn, explore, and perform together.
Each instrument has four primary parts they can play: Foundational Notes, Bass Line, Harmony Line, and Melody Line(s). The Bass, Harmony, and Melody parts typically each have two parts (part 1 and part 2) with differences of difficulty between them particularly with regard to complexity of rhythms and pitch range. Parts are available for all of the typical orchestral, band, mariachi, and general music instruments. Between the various instruments all of the pitches/rhythms are identical, allowing for unison playing and practice.
In most cases, these arrangements work best in public performance when there is at least one audible performer playing one of the melody lines (1 or 2), one of the harmony lines (1 or 2), and one of the bass lines (1 or 2). While some care is needed to have an appropriate balance of the parts, most any instrument can learn, play, and perform any part. These works were created with that sort of flexibility as a top priority. Lyrics are included for the melody parts on songs, but the pieces are written in a manner that they lyrics/singing can be optional as those parts are doubled by the instrumental parts.
Together the parts sound absolutely wonderful, but a focus is on unison playing of each individual part so that students can invest more time actively playing/learning rather than waiting for others to learn their parts or without having to break into sectionals.
Walk-through videos showcasing the usage of these “Format 1” arrangements are in development. Stay-tuned for updates!
Format 2: These arrangements feature parts typically ranging from a student with one to five years of experience. The parts typically include instruments from the string orchestra and mariachi, sometimes others, but each arrangement can be different. This format is for small to gigantic-sized groups (not as solos). Each instrument typically has three levels available to play (foundational, normal, advanced), but between different instruments, the parts can vary. Typically lower instruments play a bass line, guitars and other harmony strummed instruments play a harmony line, and upper range instruments play the melody. All lines are meant to be engaging, though the parts in the arrangements rarely switch roles (melody lines typically play the melody throughout). Some of these arrangements require vocals. The descriptions of each piece will make this known.
These pieces work great if you have an ensemble that can play the normal or advanced lines so that the piece sounds like the piece. Yay! The foundational lines are meant to be engaging, but to be played alongside a group playing the normal and/or advanced lines. The pieces work especially great for “festival” experiences, where you might bring elementary (or foundational middle or high school students) alongside to play with more advanced students for a huge performance experience!
While we already are working on updates and additional resources to clarify the formats, please let us know if you have additional questions or any suggestions for future editions!