B352 Arrangement Project – Club Dance 

Brief

To turn a famous popular song into a club dance remix.
You will be given a well-known song which you need to remix into a club dance version. You must include all the stylistic features of club dance and learn how to use sequencing software in a creative way.

You will also need to keep a log of the process. 

Click to download your B352 Composition Log and Evaluation.

Click to download your B351 Commentary and Composition Brief.

There are 20 marks for this project, 15 for creativity with the music and 5 for creativity with the sequencing software.

Task Breakdown

  • Step 1 – Set up an empty project folder in your music drive folder and save as ‘B352 club dance arrangement’  
  • Step 2 – Choose from the suggested instrument sounds four separate instruments for your drums, chords, bassline and melody.
  • Step 3 – You are given the basic melody, chords and bassline that you will need to input into your project along with a typical club dance drum pattern.
  • Step 4 – Arrange each section of the verse, bridge and chorus, into a whole song – include fills in the drum part at the end of sections.
  • Step 5 – Compose an intro, a breakdown and an outro and any other contrasting sections you like.
  • Step 6 – Compose or arrange new parts/instruments to fit with the original material. 

    • Core Criteria for Arrangements

    0-2

    Outcome: an arrangement which is either ambiguous or lacking in musical meaning, or which makes little change from the original.

    The piece states the given materials. There are some changes, which make little positive impact. There is either minimal structural consideration or no change to the structure provided by the original. For a mark of zero in this band, the piece will not be worthy of credit. 

    3-5

    Outcome: an arrangement where the changes to the materials provide a little coherence. 

    The piece contains simple changes to the materials drawing on a small range of musical elements. The materials are extended and placed within a simple structure. 

    6-8

    Outcome: an arrangement whereby changes to the original provide some coherence and consistency. 

    The piece has some creative changes to the materials, using some musical elements successfully in combination. There is some development using appropriate devices. The materials have been placed within a well-defined and appropriate structure. 

    9-11

    Outcome: an arrangement whereby changes to the original provide musical coherence and some stylistic consistency. 

    The materials have been reshaped in a musical way, using a range of musical elements. There is development, which is appropriate to the style showing understanding of several compositional techniques. The materials have been placed within a structure, which supports a balance of unity and variety. 

    12-14

    Outcome: an arrangement which is musically successful and demonstrates a strong sense of style. 

    The arrangement reworks the materials imaginatively, through the effective combination of all of the musical elements. It shows consistency in its use of figurations, textures and other conventions. The piece demonstrates good understanding of stylistic and structural conventions. 

    15

    Outcome: a piece which is memorable and musically compelling in its impact. 

    The piece reworks the materials in a highly imaginative and original way, demonstrating a high level of musical understanding. Advanced arranging techniques are applied in a craftsman like way and the structural framework supports the impact of the piece.

    Sequencing Mark Scheme 

    Needs to have at least three sequenced parts. A copy of the given starting point (melody or score) will be provided for moderation. The piece must be all the candidate’s own work - no use of pre-programmed loops or samples are allowed. 

    An example of the 0–1 mark band:

    A simple 12–16 bar melody with two suitable accompanying parts. Basic in its use of dynamics and tempo. The style is simple in its demands. The three parts fit together in a simple way. 

    To achieve a higher mark, the piece would require one or more of the following in addition to the above:

    • Techniques: Balancing of different parts; use of panning (stereo placing); use of reverb/chorus/other effects.
    • Duration: Use of quantisation and editing of note values; use of staccato/legato notes.
    • Dynamics: Use of volume changes including gradual changes; changes in individual note velocity (if using mouse input).
    • Tempo: Use of tempo changes.
    • Timbre: Inventive choice/use of sound sources.
    • Texture: Addition of more parts.
    • Structure: Addition of contrasting accompaniment ideas.
    • Style: More complex in its requirements. 

    An example of the 4–5 mark band:

    A longer piece using 7/8 different parts with obvious structural changes with tempo and dynamic changes. Uses quantising carefully and has a sense of stereo placement.