All Star (arr. Matt Conaway): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Smash Mouth
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK00431955
$65.00
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Description
With it's catchy melody, quirky harmonies and driving groove, this huge hit from 1999 helped put Smash Mouth at the top of the charts. Then being featured in the movie "Shrek" didn't hurt!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00431955
More about this title
About the Artist: Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth formed in San Jose, California in 1994 and became one of the defining pop rock acts of the late 1990s. Their 1999 album "Astro Lounge" produced "All Star," a track that dominated radio and became a cultural phenomenon, especially after its appearance in the DreamWorks film "Shrek." The band's blend of pop sensibility with rock edge made them masters of crafting accessible, hook-laden songs that appeal across age groups.
For music educators, Smash Mouth represents a goldmine of modern repertoire that engages students who grew up with these songs or know them from film and streaming. Their catalog offers straightforward harmonic language wrapped around incredibly memorable melodies, making arrangement work both educational and genuinely fun to rehearse.
Why we love this
Matt Conaway's arrangement captures the irresistible groove and humor of the original while keeping the orchestration manageable for marching bands at the 3-4 grade level. Students will recognize this instantly, which transforms rehearsals into something they're genuinely excited about. The quirkiness of the harmonies translates beautifully to the marching format, creating an arrangement that feels contemporary without sacrificing musicality.
What to expect
Infectious and propulsive. The arrangement maintains the original's signature bounce and almost goofy confidence, built on a groove that compels movement. It's the musical equivalent of a song that makes you smile involuntarily.
Who it's for
Marching bands looking to program something current and recognizable that still respects musical standards. High school and strong middle school groups will connect with the material immediately while enjoying Conaway's smart orchestration choices.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the pulse early by establishing the groove in the rhythm section; this song lives and dies by its pocket, so isolate the bass line and percussion before layering melody.
- Lean into the quirky harmonic moments rather than smoothing them over. Those unexpected chord movements are what make the tune distinctive, so encourage players to voice them clearly.
- Balance the melody across sections so the iconic vocal hook comes through even with full instrumentation playing. The tune is easy to bury, so rehearse strategically transparent voicings.
- Keep the energy consistent from beginning to end. There are no dramatic dynamic shifts here, just relentless forward motion, so focus on groove maintenance over expression.
How to use it
This works brilliantly as a crowd-pleaser in stadium shows or pep band situations where you need guaranteed audience recognition. Pair it with other contemporary pop or rock arrangements for a themed concert set that showcases modern songwriting.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining steady grooves across extended passages without rhythmic drift
- Balancing melodic clarity with harmonic texture in a pop rock context
- Understanding and executing pop/rock articulation and phrasing conventions
- Reading and performing in the practical ranges of marching band voicings