brass section?

[cliff richard]

sometimes i use a string section in my compositions to add a bit more weight to certain parts of a song. i build this up (via midi keyboard and samples) using two violins, a viola, and a cello using the same principles as you would if you were writing a string quartet. for a song i'm working on at the moment i would like to support a part of the music with a brass section, does anyone have any tips or rules i should follow when creating this part, i was thinking of maybe using trombone for the bass then maybe some trumpets and horn, thanks in advance for your help!!!

 

[mikeh]

Brass voicings can be a challenge for people who don't play horn. You have to make sure each horn is within a realistic range of what the accoustice instrument can do. Remember, horns are not polyphonic - they only play one note at a time.

I can only suggest listening to some recordings with horn arrangements (Chicago has many very nice arrangements). Also, record each horn as a seperate track (remembering the "non-polyphonic" rule. by play each horn part seperate and then mixing them together you can can a more realistic composite csound then playing a chord with one brass sound.