Orchestration......

Since I came from a band background, I tend to think of my songs having actual musical instruments play them. The problem is, there aren't many filkers out there who play these instruments. If I have a piece with a trombone part, I'd need someone like Rand or Adam to play the part if I'm doing this live. Or if I have a clarinet part, I can either play it badly, or have someone else play it. Similarly, I may write a part that goes beyond the typical range of an instrument, or the limitations of the performer, and not know the range and/or limitations at the time I write it.

The alternative is to provide a digital simulation of the part, via a synth workstation.

But wouldn't this replace musicians? Only in the composition and solo playback stages. Believe me, if I'm doing something live, I'd love to have another musician -- or musicians -- playing along with me. That's why I'll put an instrument on a separate MIDI track when I'm composing, so I can drop it out later if/when necessary.

Coming soon: My favorite orchestral rock pieces and bands.