ABC Sheet Music Preview

ABC: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Berry Gordy / By Deke Richards / By Alphonso Mizell / By Frederick Perren / As performed by The Jackson 5 / Arranged by Michael Sweeney

Grade: 2-3

Item: 35-PK00146867

Digital Download
$60.00

Parts Added to Cart!

Description
The Jackson 5 produced many standout hits, but this may be their most recognized song. This production number or closer includes a section to feature the percussion and an ending segment that starts softly then builds to powerful close.

ABC: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00146867

More about this title

About the Composer: Berry Gordy

Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959 and built it into one of the most influential record labels in American music history. As a songwriter, producer, and visionary, he shaped the sound of popular music for decades and established Motown as a training ground for some of the era's greatest artists. His work in the studio and boardroom demonstrated that popular music could achieve both commercial success and artistic integrity.

Why we love this

Michael Sweeney's arrangement captures the exuberance and infectious energy that made this track a defining moment in pop music history. The built-in percussion feature and dynamic arc from soft to powerful give marching bands multiple musical moments to own, rather than simply playing a straight pop cover. At Grade 2-3, it sits in that sweet spot where students feel the sophistication of what they're playing while the technical demands remain achievable.

What to expect

Pure joy wrapped in precision. The opening grabs attention immediately, the percussion spotlight lets the battery shine, and the final crescendo delivers the kind of emotional payoff that keeps audiences on their feet. There's a celebratory quality throughout that feels natural to marching band.

Who it's for

Marching bands seeking an audience favorite that students recognize instantly and enjoy performing. This arrangement works equally well for groups building confidence at intermediate levels and those looking for a reliable, energetic closer or production number for shows and competitions.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the tight, syncopated rhythms in the opening section by having the entire front ensemble play with uniform stick heights and consistent articulation during sectional rehearsals.
  • Bring out the percussion feature by stepping back slightly on winds during that section; let the mallets, drums, and battery command the field without competition.
  • Shape the final segment deliberately. Establish a clear dynamic floor at soft, then build in layers rather than all at once, so the powerful close feels earned.

How to use it

This functions beautifully as a show closer, where its building intensity and recognizable melody create a satisfying send-off. Alternatively, program it as a production number earlier in your show to establish energy and set a high-performance tone for what follows.

Skills your students will build

  • Articulation control across dynamic contrasts (soft to powerful)
  • Syncopated rhythm accuracy in a pop idiom
  • Ensemble balance with featured percussion section
  • Shaping a multi-section arrangement across opening, feature, and climax

You May Also Like