A Study of Arrangement in Thai Traditional Music for Wind Band

Abstract

This thesis utilized qualitative research methodology with the following objectives: 1) to study thehistory and transformation of Thai music to wind band, 2) to study the arrangement of Thai musicmelody for the wind band, and 3) to investigate the role of the wind band in Thai society.The results of the study reveal that 1) for history and development of Thai music into wind band, thetransformation took place beginning with the reign of King Rama IV, starting with Thai musicians adoptingand practicing Western musical instruments and creating music for salutation. There existed a commonfeeling among the senior elite that Thai music be developed to be on par with Western music, to show thepotential of Thai music to foreign visitors, and to transform it by the transmission of musical performancesto laymen; 2) arrangement was made in such a way for the transformation of the band in thefollowing aspects: grouping of instruments based on sound pitches - low, medium and high. The keysignature and mode most often used was the Bb scale and the Diatonic Ionian Mode. Musical instrumentsemphasized the use of the melody of Gong Wong and Ranad Ek (alto xylophone). Thai musicalarrangement was done by using Thai musical instruments with multifold styles of harmonization andwith technical musical terms for playing musical instruments and Thai musical melodies, and 3) for therole of music in society, the wind band plays a role as part of royal and state ceremonies, in the preservationof musical traditions, in performances, and as the leading band in a parade. Most of all, the bandprovides entertainment and plays a vital role in contests and ritual performances.