2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) (arr. Matt Conaway and Matt Finger): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Conaway and Finger have captured the infectious groove and swagger of the original without losing what makes the song irresistible: that retro funk pocket combined with contemporary hip-hop energy. For bands wanting to program something that connects with students' actual listening habits while building real ensemble skills, this delivers on both fronts.

The arrangement radiates swagger and warmth. Retro groove sits comfortably alongside modern rhythmic drive, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh. It's the kind of piece that gets audiences and performers alike moving from the downbeat.

Directors looking to fill a contemporary pop slot without sacrificing musical substance will find exactly what they need here. This works equally well for bands at the 3-4 range seeking accessible material that still demands focused ensemble work, and for programs that want repertoire reflecting what their students actually listen to.

• Lock the low brass and percussion into that retro funk foundation first. The groove won't breathe without precision from your foundation section.
• Emphasize the syncopated rhythms in the upper woodwinds and brass. These create the forward momentum that keeps the energy alive through each phrase.
• Give your dance feature the space to shine. Whether it's a featured soloist, small group, or visual element, the arrangement is designed to let that storytelling moment land.
• Balance the written articulations carefully. The staccato figures contrast with longer phrasing; honor both to reveal the harmonic movement underneath the rhythmic surface.

Consider this for a spring or late-season concert where you want to celebrate the band's growth while ending on high energy. It pairs well alongside other contemporary pop or funk arrangements, or it can anchor a set that mixes classic and current repertoire. The accessibility and crowd appeal make it excellent for outdoor performances or community engagement events.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Funk and R&B groove concepts
• Balance within rhythmic versus melodic textures
• Articulation control and stylistic phrasing in popular music
• Ensemble cohesion at medium to quick tempos