Na Báid : Orchestration
The Boats is specifically designed to be played by a modest complement; typical of community orchestras. For utmost economy, it is helpful if the winds can double on jazz band reeds as suggested below.
Pipe Organ
Community Organ or Harmonium
Hammond B-3
Accordion
2 Flutes (doubling Tin Whistles)
2 Clarinets
1 Bass Clarinet
2 Oboe
2 Bassoon
2 French Horn
Chamber Strings (6, 6, 4, 4, 2)
Harp
2 Percussionists:
- Jazz Drum Kit
- Vibraphone
- Timpani
- Gran Casa
- Bodhrán
- Irish Bones or Spoons
- Congas, Shakers
- Triangle
- Chimes
Pianoforte (doubles on Synthesizer and Hammond B3)
Electric Guitar (doubles on Flattop Guitar and Banjo)
Electric Guitar (doubles on Mandolin)
Electric Bass (doubles on second Electric Guitar)
16 Voice Choir
Placement
The following diagram demonstrates the suggested placement:
Choir
Performance Notes
- The drum screens are not mandatory but have been found to be helpful.
- Amplification should be minimal. The general rule is that each amplifier should be considered a ‘section’ of the band and never be louder than any other section of the orchestra. The bass amplifier should be placed at stage center. The two guitar amps should be placed stage left and right respectively. The synthesizer should have stereo amplifiers, also placed stage left and right.
- Hammond B3 drawbar and Leslie speed changes are indicated in the score. If a synthesizer is substituted, care should be taken to match these settings as closely as possible.
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