Defying Gravity (from Wicked): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Stephen Schwartz / Arranged by Michael Sweeney
Grade: 1.5
Item: 35-PK00155525
$55.00
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Description
One of the key moments from the hit Broadway musical "Wicked" centers around this powerful song. Here is an authentic-sounding arrangement that even beginners can enjoy. Dur: 2:15
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00155525
More about this title
About the Composer: Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz has shaped contemporary musical theater through his distinctive melodic gift and emotional directness. His work spans from children's musicals to Broadway blockbusters, consistently finding ways to make complex theatrical moments accessible without sacrificing sophistication.
Why we love this
Michael Sweeney's arrangement captures the defiant energy of this Broadway moment while respecting the skill level of developing musicians. At Grade 1.5, students get to own a song that carries real theatrical weight, not a dumbed-down version of itself. The engagement factor alone makes this a crowd pleaser that doesn't talk down to the audience.
What to expect
The stubborn hope and defiant joy of choosing your own path. The arrangement pulses with forward momentum, building from a tentative beginning toward moments of genuine soaring. It captures both the vulnerability and strength at the heart of the song.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the early intermediate level who want to connect with music their students actually recognize. This works equally well for school ensembles looking for approachable Broadway material and community bands seeking contemporary titles with genuine theatrical appeal.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the melody sing through without forcing dynamics. The power in this piece comes from emotional commitment, not volume.
- Pay attention to the vocal line implied in the arrangement. Even in concert band scoring, this music breathes like theater, so give it room to breathe.
- Balance the accompaniment so soloists or featured sections can be heard. Many students will recognize this song and expect to hear the moment clearly.
- Work the tempo deliberately. At 2 minutes 15 seconds, you have time to build the tension before the climactic sections.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary musical theater selections for a concert exploring how Broadway shapes our students' musical lives. It works beautifully as a contrasting piece in a program heavy with classical repertoire, or as a gateway piece to interest musicians who haven't yet discovered concert band literature.
Skills your students will build
- Identifying and playing through melodic phrases that span multiple instruments
- Balancing lyrical accompaniment parts with featured material
- Interpreting theatrical style and emotion in concert band context
- Managing dynamic control across a range of articulations and sustained passages