Carry On: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As Performed by fun.
Words and music by Nate Ruess, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost, and Jack Antonoff / arr. Jerry Davis
Grade: 3 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0006320
$77.00
One moment…
Description
An uplifting, mid-tempo anthem encouraging you to push through and indeed carry on, this tune was written by American indie band fun. A fun and infectious way to introduce your students to 12/8 meter. A sure winner! (3:45) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Carry On: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Pop Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
244
SKU:
00-PK-0006320
More about this title
About the Composer: Nate Ruess
Nate Ruess co-founded fun. in the early 2010s and quickly became known for writing anthemic pop songs with memorable melodies and uplifting messages. His work with the band earned multiple Grammy nominations and gold records, establishing him as a skilled craftsman of pop hooks that connect with broad audiences.
Why we love this
This arrangement introduces a contemporary pop hit that students actually recognize and want to play, which alone boosts engagement and rehearsal focus. The 12/8 meter isn't buried in a complex or academic context; it emerges naturally from the song's infectious rhythmic groove, making it pedagogically honest and musically rewarding. The tune's infectious energy and straightforward construction make it accessible to mid-level bands while still offering enough detail in the orchestration to keep advanced students engaged.
What to expect
Uplifting and driven, with an irresistible forward momentum that carries you along. The mid-tempo groove feels energetic without being relentless, striking that rare balance between infectious pop sensibility and musical substance.
Who it's for
Band directors seeking a contemporary pop arrangement that speaks directly to student musicians and builds genuine enthusiasm for concert band repertoire. This works especially well for programs looking to bridge the gap between what students hear outside school and what they perform on stage, or for ensembles building a mixed concert that includes both classical standards and accessible modern pieces.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the triplet feel inherent to 12/8 by thinking in four rather than twelve; this prevents the meter from feeling fractured and keeps the groove grounded.
- Balance the instrumentation so the melodic line cuts through clearly without drowning out the rhythmic foundation that drives the song forward.
- Lean into the anthem quality with confident, sustained articulations during lyrical moments; avoid playing too lightly, as this piece thrives on commitment and conviction.
- Lock the rhythm section early in rehearsal so all sections can tune their phrasing to a solid, consistent pulse before layering in melodic details.
How to use it
Pair this with another contemporary work or a classical piece with similar energy for a compelling thematic concert. It works beautifully as a closer that sends the audience out feeling inspired, or as the high-energy anchor of a program focused on 21st-century band literature.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and maintaining 12/8 meter
- Interpreting triplet-based rhythmic feels in a pop context
- Balancing melodic and rhythmic responsibilities within a groove-based arrangement
- Communicating conviction and energy through phrasing and articulation