Flexible ensemble literature opens the door to better outcomes for you and your students. The goal is always to make music, but that becomes challenging when you’re missing key instruments, your group is split across class periods, or some students aren’t yet strong enough to cover their parts independently.
While some programs may never need flexible (flex) arrangements, many do. Flex charts offer the ability to assign multiple students to the same part, providing essential support to those who need it. At times, you may choose to reduce the number of players on a part to feature stronger musicians — this is perfectly acceptable. These arrangements allow you to program more advanced music while ensuring full coverage.
Most flex charts follow a quartet or quintet format, with parts reorganized to accommodate smaller ensembles. If you’re concerned that flex versions might sound “watered down,” don’t be. Online score previews make it easy to compare the flex and original versions. In my work with Claude T. Smith Publications and RWS Music Company, my flex arrangements remain true to the original in key, notation, rhythm, length, and overall difficulty. They’re fully compatible with the original versions and designed for smaller instrumentation without sacrificing musical integrity.
Top 10 Reasons to Use Flex Arrangements:
- You have gaps in your instrumentation.
- The only student covering a part isn’t strong enough to play it alone.
- Some parts are consistently left out of the original.
- Your ensemble sounds thin or lacks depth.
- You struggle with rewriting parts.
- You don’t have time to rewrite parts.
- You want your band or orchestra to sound full.
- Stronger players on shared parts help build confidence in weaker players.
- You can focus more on musicality – phrasing, dynamics, balance, and tone.
- Because you want to ensure student success and make music!
I encourage you to seriously consider the benefits of flexible ensemble arrangements. Success isn’t measured by the number of trophies or plaques collected at festivals. Many of us know which events our group can “win,” but the real victory lies in developing skilled, confident musicians. Our students are our true trophies. The effort we invest in their growth is the best measure of our success as educators.
Flex charts are one more valuable tool to support that growth. Let’s embrace them and play it forward!
Dr. Joseph Earp is the performing arts chair and director of bands at Hinds Community College (Raymond, Mississippi) and a composer and arranger at Claude T. Smith Publications and RWS Music Company. He can be contacted at joseph@joeemusic.com or by going to joeemusic.com.
