Arranging
Music arranging is a broad and versatile field that involves notating existing music for a specific ensemble
Parts are assigned to individual instruments, and new material is crafted to suit the specific instrumentation, style, and purpose of the arrangement.
At OGM, we approach each arranging project as a unique puzzle, crafting solutions that are elegant, creative, and perfectly tailored to the music’s needs. Projects on which we have worked include:
The addition of string quartet parts
Dan Sultan, Cul de Sac
Parallel Lions, For You
New arrangements for mixed ensemble
OGM writers created many of the arrangements for the acclaimed Black Arm Band productions, Murundak, Hidden Republic (with the MSO), and Dirtsong.
New arrangements for orchestra
Artists include Sinead O’Connor, Rickie-Lee Jones, Meshell Ndegeocello
New arrangements for Brass Band/Community Band
Archer, Garden
Merri-bek City Band fest. Kutcha Edwards, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Transcription and adaptation of existing big band and jazz ensemble recordings
Clients include the Australian Art Orchestra, Ali McGreggor, the University of Tasmania (Southern Gospel Choir), Museum of Old and New Art, the B# Big Band, and the Merri-bek City Council.
New arrangements for jazz orchestra
Clients include Monash University (for Don Burrows, and Kate Cebrano), Nina Ferro, Bobby Valentine, Julie O’Hara, and the Bennetts Lane Big Band (for Gian Slater).
Music Theatre Orchestra
The expansion of existing small band arrangements to music theatre orchestra
Eddie Perfect, Shane Warne the Musical, My Name is John
Film or TV soundtracks
The orchestration of condensed scores and/or midi files for film or TV soundtrack
Cezary Subzewski (composer), Women He’s Undressed
Arrangements for TV programs, including Dancing with the Stars, It Takes Two, and ABC Variety (Eddie Perfect).
Eddie Perfect and Amy Lehpamer, ABC Saturday Night Crack Up, Get Over It
Re-orchestration
Adaptation of the seminal Gil Evans arrangement of
Concerto de Aranjuez for the Australian Art Orchestra
Australian Art Orchestra
New arrangements for small jazz ensemble
Excerpts of Opening Gambit Music arrangements for John Scurry’s Reverse Swing
Arrangements for Ngairre and the Australian Art Orchestra
Arrangements for Kutcha Edwards and the Australian Art Orchestra
Ball’s masterful arrangements, coupled with the band’s unerring sensitivity, underscored the poetry and pathos of Edwards’ songs.
Jessica Nicholas, The Age, 2025
Transcription
Transcription is the process of turning recorded music into written notation. Whether it’s every part of a full big band or a single improvised solo, we can capture it all.
If you’re an artist who doesn’t read or write music, we’ll transcribe your songs so that any reading musician can play them.
Transcriptions for the Southern Gospel Choir
Opening Gambit Music
We craft bespoke, inventive arrangements of your music for any context. Get in touch to find out how Opening Gambit Music can help bring your musical vision to life.