Butter (arr. Tom Wallace): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Tom Wallace's arrangement captures the infectious swagger and precision of the original without sacrificing the character that made this song a global smash. The voicing sits beautifully across a marching band palette, and students recognize the source immediately, which means they'll commit fully to nailing the details. Programming a track this current and this fun signals to your students that you understand their musical world.

Modern, confident, and propulsive. The arrangement pulses with energy and clean articulation while maintaining the hip-hop and pop DNA that makes the original unmistakable. This is music that sounds current and feels good to play.

Marching bands seeking contemporary repertoire that excites their students and audiences alike. Directors looking to program music that validates students' listening lives while building genuine musical chops through well-crafted ensemble writing.

• Treat the groove as fundamental. The rhythmic pocket drives everything; lock the section leaders into a common subdivision before layer complexity on top.
• Lean into the dynamics marked for maximum impact. Wallace has choreographed the hits and pulses intentionally; resist the temptation to even things out.
• Balance the melody across parts rather than centering it in one voice. This arrangement distributes the hook through the ensemble for a fuller, more cohesive sound.
• Reference the original recording during rehearsal so the band hears the target tone quality and attitude. This grounds their interpretation in the actual song.

Feature this in a pops or contemporary-music focused concert where it will land with immediate recognition and enthusiasm. The energy and approachability make it ideal for early-season performances as you're building ensemble cohesion and confidence. You could also pair it with other contemporary or licensed hits to create a thematic set that speaks directly to your audience.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated, groove-based patterns
• Balancing part independence while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Interpreting dynamic markings for musical storytelling
• Translating recorded music idioms into live ensemble performance
• Articulation control in fast, percussive passages