Musical scores in large instrumental school or amateur ensembles, such as bands or orchestras, are often (re)arranged for their student and amateur performers. This study aimed to establish principles of orchestration for these ensembles, which have received little attention in orchestration literature. To do so, we considered the score as an orchestration of performers’ music-making. We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight arrangers, including a discussion of one of the participants’ scores. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we developed the FACETS-framework (Flexible, Ambitious, Clear, Enjoyable, Tailor-made, and Safe) for student and amateur performers. Orchestration is described as flexible to accommodate unpredictable line-ups. Arrangers are musically ambitious, using the ensembles’ affordances to create interesting, challenging, expressive, and meaningful music. Scores are clear, designed to fit their players’ musical experience and expectations intuitively. The orchestration process is considered a puzzle of enjoyable playing experiences. Arrangers tailor key, pitch, dynamic, and articulation to instruments and performers, and intertwine musical and psychological safety. Performer-oriented dimensions are identified as decreasing in higher-end ensembles. Our results enhance understanding for the craft of arrangers for nonprofessional ensembles, and the impact their scores have as musical-pedagogical actors, during performance as well as rehearsal. The FACETS-framework can support arrangers and ensemble leaders, and become a tool for orchestration teachers to address scoring for student and amateur performers.
