Steve Cochran is an up and coming show choir arranger working in the midwest. He studied music at the University of St. Thomas and can also be heard frequently as a session guitarist for BMK Arrangements!
1. Please describe your basic setup. (Your technical setup as well as the physical space that you work in.)
Nothing too fancy. Just me, my MacBook, Finale, and GarageBand for creating rehearsal tracks. I’ll arrange anywhere (at my desk, kitchen island, on the sofa, etc.).
2. What is your process for brainstorming or inspiration-seeking as you start a new arrangement?
For any chart, I like to get information from the director and/or choreographer about their choir and band (numbers, level of ability, instrumentation, etc.) and any vision they may have for the chart. Once I have that information, I listen to the song(s) and try to lay out a general form and begin arranging from there. As a show band person who appreciates a killer dance break, I will sometimes begin a chart by writing the main dance break if I have a really concrete idea of how I would like that to sound.
3. What is your go-to snack and/or drink when arranging?
Definitely water, coffee, and tea! Peanut butter filled pretzels bites are pretty good too.
4. What is one thing you wish you would have known when you started arranging?
It will take time to find your style, and that style will change and evolve year to year.
5. What is your favorite shortcut or time-saving trick in your notation software?
Creating score templates on Finale.
6. What is a favorite arrangement of yours?
“DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love (Again)” – Usher feat. Pitbull, Dua Lipa
7. How can people get ahold of you?
Email: scarrangements@gmail.com
FB: SC Arrangements Catalogue: https://docs.google.com/…/1qbukut0oXkEYo…/edit…
