Don't Start Now: Marching Band Conductor Score

Brian Scott's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without losing the propulsive disco groove that made this song a global hit. The full sound and accessibility at Grade 3 means you can program something your students actually want to play, and the dance/drill potential gives you options beyond traditional concert settings.

Pulsing, shimmering, and undeniably fun. The disco foundation gives it a retro-modern flavor that feels both nostalgic and current, with enough rhythmic propulsion to keep an ensemble moving without demanding virtuosic chops.

Marching bands looking to energize a halftime show or pep band rotation with contemporary music that connects with student musicians. This works equally well for concert presentations, which means you get double value from a single rehearsal investment.

• Lock the tempo steady around the 2:08 mark; the groove depends on a consistent pulse, not rubato
• Emphasize the syncopated hits in the brass section as punchy accents rather than sustained notes to keep the disco feel sharp
• Balance the melodic content across sections so no single voice overwhelms the layered texture Brian built into this arrangement
• If using with drill, rehearse the parts independently first so students can lock in musically before adding visual complexity

Drop this into a late-season concert or halftime slot when you want something that feels celebratory and accessible. The length and style make it ideal for a pop-heavy program or as a bridge piece between traditional marching repertoire and something more contemporary.

• Maintaining groove-based rhythm against syncopated melodic lines
• Balancing dynamics across a full ensemble without losing clarity
• Executing punchy, articulated attacks in brass sections
• Reading and performing contemporary pop arrangements with stylistic awareness