Get Down on It: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Arr. Nick Baratta
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0007872
$50.00
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Description
This funky classic from Kool and the Gang really shines in the expert arranging hands of Nick Baratta. What a great groove! (1:40)
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Additional Details
Series:
Mega Sounds for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
110
SKU:
00-PK-0007872
More about this title
About the Arranger: Nick Baratta
Nick Baratta earned his BM in Music Education and Applied Percussion from The New England Conservatory in 1980, studying percussion under Frank Epstein of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and legendary percussion innovator Vic Firth. For two decades he shaped the West Genesee Central Schools music program, directing junior high and high school bands, leading the marching band, and teaching all percussion students in grades 6 through 12.
Baratta has been the Creative Director and Wind/Percussion Arranger for West Genesee's marching band since 1978, guiding the ensemble to 30 New York State Championships and three national titles at the Festival of States. His arrangements and compositions have appeared at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Music Educators National Conference, Bands of America National Concert Festival, and the Percussive Arts Society National Convention. He served as an All-State selector for the New York State School Music Association and has maintained a private percussion teaching studio continuously since 1980. Currently working as a consultant and arranger with competitive marching programs, Baratta has been published by Alfred/Belwin since 1987.
Why we love this
Baratta captures the infectious swagger of Kool and the Gang's original without sacrificing what makes it work for marching ensemble. The arrangement sits perfectly at Grade 3, balancing accessibility with the kind of groove and sophistication that keeps students engaged and audiences moving.
What to expect
Tight, propulsive, and fun. The arrangement keeps the funk front and center with smart voice leading that never gets bogged down. It's the kind of piece that makes ensemble members want to move in their sets and keeps the crowd engaged.
Who it's for
Marching bands seeking contemporary repertoire with broad appeal. This arrangement works for competitive circuits, fall programs, and community performances where you need a piece that energizes students and audiences alike.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the pocket early in rehearsal. Lock the snare, bass drum, and cymbals into a tight groove before adding winds; the rhythm section is what sells this funk.
- Push the articulation on the ensemble hits. Tonguing precision in passages with stacked rhythms creates definition and keeps the piece from feeling muddy.
- Keep the tempo consistent and slightly relaxed. This piece breathes better when it feels organic rather than metronomic.
- Balance the front ensemble. Mallets, cymbals, and bass drum should sit in a clear stereo field so the groove reads across the field.
How to use it
Program this as an opener or closer on a show needing energy and contrast. Pair it with ballads or classical selections to showcase range, or feature it as part of a pop/rock-themed program. It's also accessible enough for mid-season performances when your ensemble has solid fundamentals in place.
Skills your students will build
- Funk rhythms and syncopation
- Ensemble lock and groove pocket
- Articulation precision in stacked rhythmic figures
- Marching fundamentals with contemporary music style