Plan & Elevation: A Transcription for Chamber Winds and Percussion

The wind band world has long been known for its history of commissioning new works. However, one should not forget the long history of transcriptions as well. By transcribing contemporary music, wind bands can get newer works while also honoring the tradition of transcriptions. This dissertation focuses on the transcription of Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation, a work in five movements originally written for string quartet, now set for chamber winds and percussion. The analysis of the piece provides insights into Shaw’s use of texture and space, along with her use of musical borrowing throughout. The writing also discusses how the transcription was made with consideration to orchestration, the treatment of the idiomatic string writing, and what changes needed to be made from the original to make it achievable by the chamber ensemble.