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

Brian Scott's arrangement captures the infectious groove and layered sophistication of the original without losing any of the energy that made this song a classic. The solos for trumpet and trombone give your section leaders moments to shine while maintaining the groove the full band needs to master, making this both musically satisfying and practical for the rehearsal room.

Confident and groovy, with that unmistakable Chicago sound of bright horns and a rock-solid rhythm section. The arrangement swings without losing its pop sensibility, giving the band permission to play with a relaxed, contemporary feel rather than a march-field formality.

Directors programming grades 2-3 marching bands who want contemporary repertoire with genuine crowd appeal and clear soloists. This works equally well for fall competitions, football games, or spring concerts where your students need to connect with an audience that actually knows the tune.

• Lock the rhythm section (bass, drums, and low brass) into a tight pocket before layering in the horns; the groove lives in how steady the foundation sits.
• Balance the trumpet solo so it can be heard clearly over the band; this is a conversation the soloist needs to have with the ensemble, not a moment to disappear into.
• Shape the dynamic arch toward that trombone solo at the end; let it build naturally rather than hitting full volume too early.

Open a show with this if you want immediate audience recognition and energy, or place it in the second half of a concert to reset momentum after something more demanding. The familiarity of the tune makes it an excellent choice for community partnerships or halftime performances where non-musicians are listening.

• Balancing soloists against ensemble texture
• Sustaining a consistent groove through repeated sections
• Executing jazz-rock articulation and phrasing conventions
• Reading and performing syncopated rhythms in a contemporary style
• Listening to and supporting featured performers