Feel It Still: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious energy of this GRAMMY® winner while making it entirely accessible to intermediate string orchestras. The decision to weave in the Marvelettes' "Please Mr. Postman" adds historical depth that sparks conversations about music across decades, and the optional piano and percussion parts let you scale the production to fit your ensemble's needs without sacrificing the groove.

Upbeat and propulsive, with a modern pop energy that feels fresh on a concert program. The harmonic and melodic nods to "Please Mr. Postman" create an unexpected nostalgic moment that makes the piece feel both current and timeless.

Conductors of intermediate string orchestras who want to program contemporary music that genuinely excites their players and audiences. Students at this level appreciate recognizable, recent songs, and this arrangement builds rhythmic independence and section balance without excessive technical demands.

• Lock in the rhythmic pocket early in sectional rehearsals. The song's appeal hinges on a tight, consistent groove, so establish confidence with the basic pulse before layering articulation or dynamics.
• Balance the melodic line clearly when it passes between sections. Because the arrangement spans the full range of the string orchestra, younger players can lose sight of the tune if the first violins don't lead decisively.
• Lean into the pop sensibility with cleaner articulation and lighter tone than you might use in a classical piece. This song thrives on energy and clarity rather than sustained lyricism.
• If you include the optional percussion parts, rehearse cues carefully so the rhythm section anchors the ensemble without overwhelming the strings.

Program this as a pops concert highlight or as a bridge piece between classical and contemporary repertoire on a mixed concert. It works particularly well in a spring or family concert context where lighter programming balances more substantial works.

• Rhythmic precision in syncopated figures
• Maintaining groove and pulse across multiple string sections
• Balancing melody across sectional hand-offs
• Articulation and tone control in contemporary musical styles
• Coordination with optional rhythm section parts