Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Brian Scott's arrangement captures the essence of a genuine rock standard without oversimplifying it for marching ensembles. The solo opportunities for trumpet and trombone give your ensemble members featured moments within a fully realized chart, and the Grade 3 scoring allows solid intermediate bands to sound polished and energetic without requiring virtuosic technical demands.

The chart captures the smooth, propulsive energy of the original recording, with that unmistakable Chicago blend of horn harmonies and rhythmic sophistication. You'll feel the pull of a rock groove underneath sophisticated jazz voicings, creating a sound that's both fun and genuinely musical.

This arrangement works beautifully for marching bands looking to add contemporary repertoire with genuine musicianship. It's ideal for mid-level programs that want the excitement of a recognizable hit without stretching beyond Grade 3 technical demands, and it gives soloists meaningful moments to develop expressive playing.

• Lock the rhythm section (bass line, drums, percussion) with precision during rehearsals; the groove is the foundation for everything else, and even small timing inconsistencies will undermine the contemporary feel.
• Balance the trumpet solo carefully so it sits clearly above the ensemble without cutting through aggressively; this piece thrives on blend and sophistication, not raw power.
• Lean into the jazz-rock articulation style: tonguing should be crisp but not hard, and phrasing should breathe naturally rather than marching with mechanical regularity.
• Give the trombone solo room to breathe and swing; encourage the soloist to interpret the rhythm with slight variations and feel, similar to a jazz improvisation within the written framework.

Program this at a pops concert or community band festival where you want to connect with audiences through recognizable music while demonstrating your ensemble's musical maturity. It also works well as a spring or summer outdoor performance piece, where its upbeat energy and clear melodic content shine.

• Jazz-rock articulation and phrasing (crisp but bouncy tonguing)
• Reading and performing in contemporary popular styles
• Balancing soloists within ensemble voicings
• Interpreting swing feel and groove-based rhythm
• Horn section blend and jazz harmony voicing