Extreme Arranging: An Autoethnographic Reconciling of Differences and Exploring of Similarities Between Seemingly Incompatible Genres

Abstract

'Extreme Arranging' is a term used by the author to de.ftne musical arrangements that cross a wide gap between two musical styles, whether that gap is conceptual or the physical distance between their geographic locations. The inspiration behind 'extreme arranging'came from various popular and classical artists who reached across genres in a similar manner. Connecting two 'distant' styles in one arrangement necessitates choices by the arranger as to which elements of the original song and arranged style should be retained or discarded. Throughout, the author uses his autoethnography to explore his interest in 'extreme arranging,' and he relates the choices made in his  arrangements and to his background of being an American raised by American parents in Japan. The author explores the development of his arranging process and two recent arrangements using similarities that appealed to him and decisions in reconciling differences in form, harmony, rhythm, text, and melody. The author draws connections between his intercultural background and the process of arranging songs to a seemingly incompatible genre.