Staccato Spotlight: ACDA features ArrangeMe Arrangers
The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) held their 2023 National Conference February 22-25 in Cincinnati, Ohio and among hundreds of programmed songs in dozens of concerts featuring some of the nation’s top choirs, three ArrangeMe community members had their arrangements performed!
This was the first ACDA conference held since 2019, and the ArrangeMe team was thrilled to meet so many community members who stopped by our booth in the exhibit hall.
Meet these three fantastic arrangers below!
Jamie Dyer
Long Beach, California
Dyer is an accompanist and Assistant Choir Director at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.
Dyer’s arrangement of “Emily” by Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer was performed by the Pacific Northwest Voices.
From the arranger: “The arrangement is an etherial adaptation of the classic standard. It is inspired by a recording by Tierney Sutton. I loved her interpretation, with it’s flowing rhythms and ‘Metheny-esque’ vibe. I took her idea and ran with it, creating a unique arrangement with complex harmonies for vocal jazz ensembles looking for something in a more contemporary style.
Jeremy Fox
Creston, Iowa
Fox is a is a GRAMMY®-nominated arranger, Co-Coordinator of The School for Music Vocations at SWCC, and Director of the SMV Vocal Jazz Camp and the Jazz Harmony Retreat.
Fox’s arrangement of “Summertime” by George Gershwin was performed by the The School for Music Vocations at SWCC “First Take” ensemble, which Fox conducts.
From the arranger: “‘Summertime’ is one of the most iconic songs that so many individuals recognize. It fascinated me because the song itself crosses musical boundaries. Written for “Porgy and Bess” an opera with a libretto by the brilliant DuBose Heyward, but with music written by one of the finest jazz/popular songwriters of The Great American Songbook. I wanted my arrangement of this song to also break boundaries, putting it in a “latin” groove that many listeners would not expect.
Amanda Taylor
Amanda Taylor is a GRAMMY®-nominated arranger specializing in music for vocal ensembles.
Her arrangement of “I’ll Fly Away” by Albert E. Brumley was performed by the Valencia High School “Two ‘n Four” Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
She writes, “This arrangement puts a fresh spin on a well-loved hymn. Bimodality, a contemporary samba feel, and an intricate vocal style make this arrangement an ear-catcher. Best for experienced collegiate vocal ensembles.”
