25 or 6 to 4: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Story's arrangement captures the urgency and infectious groove of the original without losing the sophistication that made Chicago iconic. This is a Grade 2 chart that sounds substantial and rewarding to perform, giving your band immediate access to a genuine rock hit rather than a watered-down approximation.

Propulsive and confident, with the swagger of a rock anthem and the sophistication of jazz voicings. The energy is immediate and sustains throughout, delivering the kind of performance moment that reminds audiences why they love live music.

Marching bands seeking contemporary repertoire that connects with audiences of all ages. This arrangement works equally well for programs aiming to bridge the gap between traditional marching band sound and modern rock, or for groups building confidence with accessible, engaging material.

• Keep the rhythmic pulse locked and driving throughout; the strength of this arrangement depends on precision in the rhythm section and consistent articulation across the ensemble.
• Balance the horn lines carefully so they cut through without drowning the underlying groove; Chicago's signature sound relies on clarity between the sections.
• Attend to the recorded timing (2:02) as your rehearsal benchmark; this arrangement moves with purpose, and tempo control will make the difference between energetic and sloppy.

Program this as a high-energy closer or mid-show highlight to inject contemporary energy into a traditional concert format. It pairs naturally with other rock or pop arrangements, and works especially well in community festival settings where broad appeal matters.

• Locked ensemble rhythm in rock/jazz contexts
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in a dense horn arrangement
• Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures
• Maintaining articulation precision at performance tempo
• Understanding jazz/rock phrasing in a marching band setting