Abracadabra (arr. Conaway Nave): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Conaway and Nave have locked into what makes "Abracadabra" work: a percussion-driven arrangement that never lets the energy drop, paired with accessible woodwind and mid-voice writing that doesn't demand extended technique. The drum set part gives you flexibility in how synth-forward you want the sound, and the Grade 3-4 scoring means your ensemble can nail the groove without getting bogged down in technical complications.

Relentless forward motion. The opening pulls you immediately into a propulsive techno-pop landscape where every section has a defined role but the whole machine moves as one. Energy never wavers; instead, it builds through orchestration and the accumulation of rhythmic detail, creating a performance that feels designed to energize a stadium.

Bands at the Grade 3-4 level looking to program contemporary material that generates audience enthusiasm and student buy-in. This works for groups with solid fundamentals but still building independence in sections, since the arrangement carries the weight while students develop their execution.

• Lock the hi-hat rhythm early in sectionals. The drum set anchor drives everything else, so get your percussion section internalizing that pulse before full ensemble rehearsals begin.
• Balance the sweeping mid-voice lines against the main melody. These aren't decorative; they're what create the "enhanced" quality described in the arrangement, so make sure they cut through without overpowering the hook.
• Treat the drum set part as a fourth section. If you're using a student drummer, give them solo rehearsal time with a recording or metronome. If using recorded accompaniment, underscore how the live percussion needs to lock with it, not rush ahead of it.
• Nail the articulation consistency in the woodwinds during the repetitive figures. That infectious quality relies on precision and uniformity across those lines.

This is your statement piece for a pop or contemporary-themed concert, but it also works brilliantly as a second or third selection in a traditional show where you want to shift energy midway through. Its accessibility and audience recognition make it ideal for pep rallies, halftime shows, or outdoor events where the crowd's engagement matters as much as musical excellence.

• Precision articulation in rapid, repetitive figures
• Locking ensemble rhythm around a strong percussion pulse
• Balancing multiple linear voices without hierarchy confusion
• Maintaining high energy through dynamic restraint (not louder equals more exciting)
• Interpreting contemporary pop material with marching band instrumentation