Practical, expressive arranging and orchestration for musical-theatre writers, composers, directors, producers, educational programs, and professional productions.
Services for the Stage
- Song arranging and adaptation
- New-musical orchestration
- Dance arrangements, transitions, and underscoring
- Vocal and choral arranging
- Transcription from recordings or demos
- Pit reductions and expansions
- Keyboard programming and piano/keyboards
- Scores, parts, and music preparation
- Music direction and conducting
- Rehearsal and production support
Selected Work
“Transition to Bikini Muscle” — Locals Only
Music by Adrian Lee; orchestrated by John Sawoski. This compact transition demonstrates theatrical pacing, instrumental color, and writing shaped around stage action.
Three Christines from Phantom of the Opera
“Hallelujah” — Vocal and Choral Transcription
“You really do have some of the best ears in the business.”
Kim Scharnberg, supervising orchestrator
A Practical Development Process
- Review the script, score, demo, and production requirements
- Define ensemble, schedule, deliverables, and musical priorities
- Develop arrangements or mockups and incorporate revisions
- Prepare orchestration, full score, and player parts
- Support rehearsals, recording, conducting, or music direction as needed
- Deliver organized final materials
Credit note: Performance and music-direction credits are distinguished from projects John arranged or orchestrated. This page is intended to show both the craft and the practical theatre experience behind the work.