Great Balls of Fire: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

$40.00 USD

Great Balls of Fire: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Great Balls of Fire: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-29495
Price: 40.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Words and music by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer / arr. Jerry Burns

Grade: 1.5 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-29495

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When you are looking for quality marching band arrangements that are easy to play, look to the Very Easy Pops Series. Here is the classic rock hit from Jerry Lee Lewis in an easy arrangement. (1:45)

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Series: Very Easy Pops for Marching Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 86

UPC: 038081315676

SKU: 00-29495

More about this title

About the Composer: Otis Blackwell

Otis Blackwell was one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1950s and 1960s, composing or co-composing hits that defined the early rock and roll era. Working primarily as a behind-the-scenes writer rather than a performer, Blackwell crafted material for artists including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash, demonstrating a gift for memorable melodies and lyrics that captured the raw energy of the emerging rock sound.

Blackwell's compositions remain staples in music education because they are built on strong, accessible melodic lines and straightforward song structures. For young musicians, his work offers a bridge into popular music history while providing material that sounds engaging without technical complexity.

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Why we love this

Jerry Burns has captured the infectious momentum of this rock classic in an arrangement that actually works for young marching bands. The Very Easy Pops series lives up to its name here; students get to play something recognizable and fun without getting bogged down in technical demands, which means you can focus rehearsal time on ensemble balance, marching fundamentals, and building ensemble confidence rather than untangling complex passages.

What to expect

Energetic and straightforward, with the driving rhythm and melodic hooks that made the original a rock and roll standard. The arrangement captures the spirit of the original without any pretense, letting young musicians experience the satisfaction of playing something that sounds exciting and feels alive on the field.

Who it's for

This is ideal for Grade 1.5 marching bands looking to add recognizable popular music to their repertoire without overextending less experienced sections. Directors working with smaller or developing programs will appreciate that the full conductor score and parts are included, making preparation straightforward.

How to get the most out of it

Keep the tempo steady and energetic throughout the 1:45 duration. This tune thrives on rhythmic drive, so lock the drum line's foundation early and remind the ensemble that relaxed confidence sounds faster than tension.
Balance the melody across sections so the tune remains clear. At this grade level, students often play with uniform volume regardless of role; take moments in rehearsal to identify who carries the hook and ensure adequate support from the rest of the ensemble.
Nail the opening entrance as a group. A crisp, unified attack sets the tone for everything that follows and instantly establishes the rock energy the arrangement promises.

How to use it

Program this as part of a pops or classics showcase where it sits comfortably alongside other Very Easy Pops selections or as a standalone crowd pleaser on a marching competition or exhibition program. The sub-two-minute runtime makes it an excellent opener or closer, and it works well when you want to remind audiences (and your own students) why they started playing music in the first place.