(paid link) Arranging for Horns offers a clear and practical introduction to writing for saxophones, trumpet, and trombone in a contemporary ensemble. Jerry Gates approaches the topic from the perspective of a working arranger and educator, focusing on how horn players interpret notation and how composers can communicate their intentions effectively.
The book covers the essential characteristics of each instrument — range, timbre, blend, and idiomatic tendencies — and presents them in a way that is easy to understand even if you’re new to writing for horns. One of its strongest features is the set of online audio examples, which demonstrate voicings, section roles, and harmonic techniques in real musical contexts rather than isolated exercises. Hearing the same passage voiced in different ways is especially helpful for anyone working with small horn sections, rhythm‑section ensembles, or live players.
The material is broad in scope, touching on close voicings, drop‑2 and drop‑4 techniques, guide‑tone lines, fills, rhythmic figures, and the different roles a horn section can play within an arrangement. Some readers may wish for more variety in the example pieces, but the book succeeds in giving a solid foundation and a practical toolkit for creating idiomatic horn parts. It’s approachable, clearly written, and designed to be applied immediately in real projects.
For composers, arrangers, producers, and students looking to strengthen their understanding of how horn players think and how to write parts that feel natural under the fingers and blend well in a section, this guide is a useful and accessible resource.
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