Get Down on It: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

Get Down on It: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Get Down on It: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-29530
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Arr. Nick Baratta

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-29530

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This funky classic from Kool and the Gang really shines in the expert arranging hands of Nick Baratta. What a great groove! (1:40)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Get Down on It: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Mega Sounds for Marching Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 110

UPC: 038081324708

SKU: 00-29530

More about this title

About the Arranger: Nick Baratta

Nick Baratta earned his degree in Music Education and Applied Percussion from The New England Conservatory in 1980, studying under Boston Symphony Orchestra percussionist Frank Epstein and legendary stick manufacturer Vic Firth. For two decades he served on the faculty of West Genesee Central Schools, where he directed the high school lab band, taught all percussion students across grades 6-12, and eventually led the marching band to 30 New York State Championships and three Festival of States National titles.

Since 1978, Baratta has served as Creative Director and Wind and Percussion Arranger for West Genesee's marching program, a role he continues today. His arrangements and compositions have appeared at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Music Educators National Conference, and the Percussive Arts Society National Convention. He has consulted with high school marching programs nationwide on their competitive efforts and maintains an active private percussion teaching studio. Alfred/Belwin has published his work since 1987.

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Why we love this

Baratta captures everything that makes this Kool and the Gang staple irresistible, translating its infectious funk groove into writing that works for Grade 3 ensembles without sacrificing the song's personality. The arrangement keeps parts accessible while layering in enough rhythmic interest to hold your section leaders' attention and give your battery real work.

What to expect

Funky, tight, and energetic. The groove propels forward with the swagger of the original while the writing keeps every voice active and connected to the pocket. It's the kind of piece that sounds simple on the surface but rewards a section that locks in the details.

Who it's for

Marching bands at the Grade 3 level looking for a contemporary selection that engages audiences and gives every section meaningful material. This arrangement works equally well for programs chasing competitive success or simply seeking music that students genuinely enjoy learning and performing.

How to get the most out of it

Lock the articulation across your saxophone section on the syncopated hits; clarity on these accents sells the funk.
Have your percussion section listen to the original recording and mark where the kicks happen; this groove lives in the pocket, and tightness makes the difference.
Push the trumpet figures slightly forward of the beat during the head, then settle back for the groove sections; that conversational feel between brass and reeds is essential.
Let the bass clarinet and low brass establish the foundation first, then layer in the upper voices; a solid low end makes the whole arrangement sit better.

How to use it

Program this as an opener or pre-closer to showcase your band's contemporary chops and build audience energy. It pairs well with both classic standards and modern literature, providing a stylistic bridge that demonstrates your ensemble's versatility.