I'm a musician specializing in music composition, arrangement, orchestration, and music transcription, with over 16 years of professional experience creating high-quality musical works for a wide range of ensembles. For the past 12 years, I have served with the Kenya Army as a military musician, where I have developed exceptional discipline, precision, and performance standards while contributing to ceremonial, concert, and official military music. My expertise includes composing original works, arranging music for brass bands, military bands, brass quintets, brass choirs, orchestras, and chamber ensembles, as well as producing accurate, publication-ready scores and parts. I am committed to delivering music that is both artistically compelling and technically flawless. My combination of extensive military band experience, advanced arranging skills, and meticulous attention to detail allows me to deliver projects efficiently while maintaining the highest professional standards. Employment and Project Experience Bandsman, Composer & Music Arranger Kenya Army December 2014 – Present * Compose and arrange music for military and ceremonial performances. * Prepare professional scores and instrumental parts for brass bands, military bands, brass quintets, brass choirs, and other ensembles. * Perform as a trombonist in official state functions, military ceremonies, concerts, and public performances. * Transcribe music into accurate, performance-ready notation using professional music notation software. Freelance Music Composer, Arranger & Transcription Specialist 2010 – Present * Compose original music for concerts, ceremonies, and special projects. * Create custom arrangements tailored to client requirements across multiple musical styles. * Transcribe recordings into clean, publication-quality sheet music. * Deliver professional engraving, score preparation, and instrumental parts for ensembles of varying sizes.…

Hannington Mwabili

I'm a musician specializing in music composition, arrangement, orchestration, and music transcription, with over 16 years of professional experience creating high-quality musical works for a wide range of ensembles. For the past 12 years, I have served with the Kenya Army as a military musician, where I have developed exceptional discipline, precision, and performance standards while contributing to ceremonial, concert, and official military music. My expertise includes composing original works, arranging music for brass bands, military bands, brass quintets, brass choirs, orchestras, and chamber ensembles, as well as producing accurate, publication-ready scores and parts. I am committed to delivering music that is both artistically compelling and technically flawless. My combination of extensive military band experience, advanced arranging skills, and meticulous attention to detail allows me to deliver projects efficiently while maintaining the highest professional standards. Employment and Project Experience Bandsman, Composer & Music Arranger Kenya Army December 2014 – Present * Compose and arrange music for military and ceremonial performances. * Prepare professional scores and instrumental parts for brass bands, military bands, brass quintets, brass choirs, and other ensembles. * Perform as a trombonist in official state functions, military ceremonies, concerts, and public performances. * Transcribe music into accurate, performance-ready notation using professional music notation software. Freelance Music Composer, Arranger & Transcription Specialist 2010 – Present * Compose original music for concerts, ceremonies, and special projects. * Create custom arrangements tailored to client requirements across multiple musical styles. * Transcribe recordings into clean, publication-quality sheet music. * Deliver professional engraving, score preparation, and instrumental parts for ensembles of varying sizes.…

Available to hire

I’m a musician specializing in music composition, arrangement, orchestration, and music transcription, with over 16 years of professional experience creating high-quality musical works for a wide range of ensembles. For the past 12 years, I have served with the Kenya Army as a military musician, where I have developed exceptional discipline, precision, and performance standards while contributing to ceremonial, concert, and official military music.

My expertise includes composing original works, arranging music for brass bands, military bands, brass quintets, brass choirs, orchestras, and chamber ensembles, as well as producing accurate, publication-ready scores and parts. I am committed to delivering music that is both artistically compelling and technically flawless. My combination of extensive military band experience, advanced arranging skills, and meticulous attention to detail allows me to deliver projects efficiently while maintaining the highest professional standards.

Employment and Project Experience

Bandsman, Composer & Music Arranger
Kenya Army
December 2014 – Present

  • Compose and arrange music for military and ceremonial performances.
  • Prepare professional scores and instrumental parts for brass bands, military bands, brass quintets, brass choirs, and other ensembles.
  • Perform as a trombonist in official state functions, military ceremonies, concerts, and public performances.
  • Transcribe music into accurate, performance-ready notation using professional music notation software.

Freelance Music Composer, Arranger & Transcription Specialist
2010 – Present

  • Compose original music for concerts, ceremonies, and special projects.
  • Create custom arrangements tailored to client requirements across multiple musical styles.
  • Transcribe recordings into clean, publication-quality sheet music.
  • Deliver professional engraving, score preparation, and instrumental parts for ensembles of varying sizes.
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Language

English
Fluent
Swahili
Fluent

Work Experience

Trombonist at Kenya Brass Society
January 1, 2025 - Present
* Perform as a trombonist in brass ensemble concerts, festivals, workshops, and community outreach programs. * Collaborate with fellow musicians to deliver high-quality performances across a diverse repertoire. * Participate in regular rehearsals, sectional training, and artistic development initiatives. * Support the Society's mission to promote brass music education, performance, and appreciation throughout Kenya. * Mentor and encourage aspiring brass musicians through educational and community engagement activities.
Communications Director at Kenya Brass Society
January 1, 2025 - Present
1. Lead the organization's communication strategy and public engagement initiatives. 2. Manage official communications, social media platforms, and promotional content. 3. Coordinate publicity for concerts, workshops, and educational programs. 4. Strengthen relationships with members, partners, sponsors, and the wider brass music community. 5. Promote the Society's mission of advancing brass music performance, education, and collaboration in Kenya.
Trombonist at Kenya Defence Forces
December 4, 2014 - Present
* Perform as a trombonist during state ceremonies, military parades, official functions, concerts, and public engagements. * Rehearse and perform a diverse repertoire, including ceremonial, patriotic, classical, contemporary, and concert band music. * Maintain a high standard of instrumental proficiency, musical discipline, and professional performance. * Collaborate with fellow musicians to deliver precise and cohesive ensemble performances. * Support national and military events through music that upholds the traditions and values of the Kenya Defence Forces. * Mentor junior musicians and contribute to sectional rehearsals to enhance ensemble performance and musicianship.
Band Composer/Arranger/Trainer at Kenya Defence Forces
December 4, 2014 - Present
* Compose original works and produce musical arrangements for military bands, ceremonial events, concerts, and official state functions. * Prepare professionally engraved full scores and instrumental parts for brass bands, military bands, orchestras, brass quintets, and brass choirs. * Train and mentor musicians in ensemble performance, musicianship, sight-reading, and interpretation of musical scores. * Conduct sectional rehearsals and support full-band rehearsals to ensure precision, balance, and high-performance standards. * Transcribe music into accurate, performance-ready notation using industry-standard music notation software. * Collaborate with band leadership to develop repertoire for national ceremonies, military parades, concerts, and special engagements. * Maintain the highest standards of musical excellence, discipline, and professionalism in accordance with Kenya Defence Forces traditions.

Education

Bachelor of Music at Defence Forces School of Music, Kenya
January 13, 2011 - August 21, 2013

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Government, Other
    NINAINUA MACHO YANGU(I LIft Up My Eyes)
    This project involved creating a full military band arrangement of "Ninainua Macho Yangu," a well-known gospel song by celebrated Kenyan gospel musician Reuben Kigame. The arrangement was developed for the Kenya Defence Forces Band, with the objective of preserving the song's uplifting message while adapting it into a powerful instrumental work suitable for ceremonial occasions and concert performances. The arrangement features expressive melodic development, rich harmonic scoring, and carefully balanced orchestration for brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Through the use of dynamic contrasts, countermelodies, and contemporary military band writing techniques, the piece brings new depth and color to the original composition while maintaining its reverent and inspirational character. This project demonstrates expertise in orchestration, music arrangement, score preparation, and the adaptation of contemporary gospel repertoire for large military ensembles. It reflects a commitment to producing high-quality performance materials that engage audiences while showcasing the musical excellence and versatility of the Kenya Defence Forces Band.…
    MILEMBE CHYA YESU
    "Milembe Chya Yesu" is an original composition inspired by a traditional folk melody commonly sung at the beginning of local tribe known as Luhya Community Christian gatherings as congregants greet one another before worship. Rather than arranging the original tune, this project reimagines its cultural essence into a completely new concert work while preserving its spirit of fellowship and celebration. The composition transforms the familiar folk melody into a vibrant work in 12/8 time, later switching to 9/8 timing, introducing a fresh rhythmic character that enhances its energy and expressive potential. Original contrapuntal lines and independent countermelodies were carefully developed to interact with the principal theme, creating a rich musical dialogue that adds depth, movement, and harmonic interest throughout the piece. The result is a composition that balances respect for its traditional roots with contemporary compositional techniques. This work showcases advanced skills in composition, orchestration, rhythmic transformation, and contrapuntal writing, demonstrating the ability to draw inspiration from indigenous musical traditions while producing an original, performance-ready work for concert and ceremonial settings.…
    JAMBO BWANA
    This project involved creating a fresh military band arrangement of the iconic Kenyan classic "Jambo Bwana" by Them Mushrooms. Rather than producing a direct transcription, the arrangement reimagined the song with a personal creative approach, blending the familiar melody with original harmonic ideas, especially by the trombones, expanded orchestration, and modern concert band techniques. The arrangement was crafted for a full military band, incorporating vibrant brass fanfares, lyrical woodwind passages, energetic percussion, and original countermelodies that gave the piece a distinctive musical identity while preserving the song's unmistakable spirit. The result was a dynamic concert work that celebrates Kenya's rich musical heritage while offering audiences a fresh and engaging listening experience. This project highlights expertise in creative arranging, orchestration, score preparation, and adapting well-known repertoire into original, performance-ready works suitable for ceremonial events, concerts, and national celebrations.…
    BABA NAOMBA(Father I Pray)
    This project involved creating a full military band arrangement of one of the most popular gospel songs by acclaimed Kenyan gospel artist Isaac Kahura. The objective was to reimagine the original vocal composition for the Kenya Defence Forces Band while preserving its powerful message of faith, hope, and devotion. The arrangement was scored for a full military band, featuring expressive brass harmonies, melodic woodwind passages, and dynamic percussion writing to create a rich and inspiring concert performance. Careful orchestration ensured that the emotional depth and musical identity of the original song were retained while fully utilizing the tonal richness and ceremonial character of a military ensemble. This project demonstrates advanced expertise in music arrangement, orchestration, score preparation, and the adaptation of contemporary gospel music for large instrumental ensembles. The arrangement has contributed to expanding the Kenya Defence Forces Band's concert repertoire with music that resonates strongly with Kenyan audiences and showcases the versatility of military band performance.…
    ATAWALE(He Reigns)
    This project involved arranging a popular hit by the Msanii Music Group for performance by the Kenya Defence Forces Band. The objective was to transform the original choral composition into a dynamic military band arrangement while preserving its melodic appeal, rhythmic energy, and emotional impact. The arrangement was carefully orchestrated for a full military band, incorporating balanced brass and woodwind scoring, effective percussion writing, and rich harmonic textures suitable for ceremonial concerts and public performances. Particular attention was given to maintaining the spirit of the original song while adapting it to showcase the power, versatility, and precision of a military ensemble. The project required advanced skills in orchestration, score preparation, instrumental voicing, and ensemble writing, resulting in a performance-ready arrangement that resonated with audiences and expanded the Kenya Defence Forces Band's contemporary concert repertoire.…
    UHURU HOIYE
    This project involved creating a full brass band arrangement of a song originally performed by the State House Choir in recognition of the development achievements of H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, the fourth President of the Republic of Kenya. The objective was to transform the choral work into a powerful instrumental arrangement suitable for ceremonial and concert performance while preserving the original message and musical character. The arrangement featured rich brass harmonies, dynamic orchestration, and carefully crafted counter-melodies designed to enhance the composition's emotional impact. The work was later presented during an official engagement, where it received personal recognition from President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. In acknowledgement of the arrangement, there was an opportunity to meet and shake hands with the President. This project demonstrates expertise in orchestration, brass band arranging, score preparation, and delivering music of national significance for high-profile ceremonial audiences.…
    SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG
    An arrangement I did for the Kenya Defence Forces Band during my early years of music arrangement, after the very famous pop song Something Inside So Strong, sung by Kenny Rogers…
    Sina Mungu Mwingine(I Have No Other God)
    An arrangement I made for the Kenya Defence Forces Band that was borrowed from a widely famous gospel hit song in our country, sung by a singer called Reuben Kigame…
    Uhuru Hoiyee
    An arrangement I did for the Kenya Defence Forces Band that was drawn from a local patriotic song sung in praise of the different developments of the then-President of the Republic of Kenya. The original song was sung by the State House Choir. This particular arrangement led to me shaking hands with the President for a job well done…