The Music Theory of Arranging a Piece of Music for the Arizona State University Marching Band

Music has remained a consistent aspect of human culture for hundreds of years. Although it has gained complexity over time, we continue to use it as a way to express emotions, tell stories, or convey a visual experience. The song “Misirlou” demonstrates all of these things and how music can transform across genres and decades. One part of this thesis discusses the historical background and cultural impact of “Misirlou”, while also breaking down the music theory behind each of its different arrangements. However, in order to understand something, it must be practiced. The second half explores an arrangement of this piece written for a university marching band. The music is not written by a student studying music theory, rather, their experience developed through extensive experience in marching band and independent arranging work. This thesis required the application of music theory concepts with both Western and non-Western cultures, ultimately highlighting music’s accessibility and its potential as a cross-cultural language, regardless of professional experience.