Come Go with Me: Auxiliary Percussion

Doug Adams has done what few arrangers manage: he's captured the infectious charm of a doo-wop classic while writing something that sits perfectly in the Grade 2 marching band idiom. The arrangement respects the original tune's simplicity and memorability, which means your students won't need bars of rehearsal to understand the musical intent. This is the kind of crowd-pleasing repertoire that reminds students why they love performing.

Bright, accessible, and anchored in authentic doo-wop flavor. The tune rolls forward with the kind of effortless melodic logic that makes it stick in memory after a few hearings. There's warmth here, not sophistication, and that directness gives the piece real charm.

This arrangement serves marching bands at the Grade 2 level and works equally well for younger players building confidence or for mixed-ability ensembles seeking accessible, recognizable repertoire. Directors looking for a piece that guarantees audience engagement will find this particularly valuable.

• Keep the tempo steady and buoyant. The straightforward melody only works if the pulse feels secure and slightly energetic, even at a moderate tempo.
• Balance the upper and lower voices carefully during the harmony sections so the doo-wop texture comes through without anyone getting buried.
• Let the melody breathe naturally on longer notes rather than pushing it forward; the tune's charm lies in its straightforward, unhurried character.
• Use consistent articulation throughout to keep the rhythmic feel crisp and clean, especially in the busier supporting parts.

This works beautifully on community pops concerts or any program where you want to bridge the gap between what your marching band plays at football games and what audiences love to hear. It also pairs well with other accessible titles when building a set around popular music from different eras.

• Playing balanced harmony voicings within a diatonic framework
• Maintaining steady ensemble pulse in a straightforward pop idiom
• Articulating supporting parts crisply while keeping the melody prominent
• Reading and performing a recognizable melody confidently with proper phrasing