Orchestral & String Arranging

Expressive, playable writing for strings and orchestra—from intimate string textures to large recording ensembles—with scores, parts, conducting, contracting, and session production available as needed.

Discuss an Orchestral Project

Hear Examples

From Source Material to Recording Session

Instrumentation and ensemble planning
String and orchestral arranging
Mockups, revisions, and production planning
Full scores, parts, copying, and proofreading
Musician contracting, conducting, and session supervision
Remote orchestral recording and delivery coordination

An overview of arranging, preparation, and orchestral recording with John Sawoski.

Selected Work

“Moonlight in Vermont” — Jazz Trio and Strings

Arranged, orchestrated, played, conducted, and produced by John Sawoski; recorded and mastered at Capitol Records.

View the original lead sheet · View the completed string score

“My Favorite Year” — 40-Piece String Section

Arranged, orchestrated, and produced by John Sawoski; strings recorded in Budapest.

Shmueli’s Believe — Orchestral/Rock

“Va Haviosim”—string writing influenced by the conversational character of Beethoven’s string quartets.

“Al Naharos Bovel”—an anthemic ballad with featured solo violin writing.

International Remote String Production

John Sawoski and Michael Patterson producing a remote string session at Tom-Tom Studios in Budapest from John’s Los Angeles studio. “S’Wonderful” arranged by Michael Patterson.

Scores and Music Preparation

Projects can include full scores, individual parts, transcription, reductions or expansions, copying, proofreading, and organized delivery for rehearsals and sessions.

See a full transcription and sound-alike re-creation case study →

View Dreams Today score and parts—orchestrated for full orchestra by Van Dyke Parks, with music preparation by John Sawoski.