Great Balls of Fire: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer / arr. Jerry Burns
Grade: 1.5 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0007853
$40.00
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Description
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)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Great Balls of Fire: 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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Additional Details
Series:
Very Easy Pops for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
86
SKU:
00-PK-0007853
More about this title
About the Composer: Otis Blackwell
Otis Blackwell was a prolific songwriter and performer who shaped the sound of early rock and roll. Born in 1931, he wrote or co-wrote some of the era's most enduring hits, including "Great Balls of Fire," "Breathless," and "Return to Sender." His ability to craft infectious melodies with raw energy made him a crucial figure in bridging country, rhythm and blues, and rock styles.
Blackwell's compositions have remained staples of popular music education because they combine accessibility with genuine musical character. His work demonstrates how strong songwriting transcends genre boundaries and generations, making his catalog invaluable for teaching students about rock and roll's foundational vocabulary.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures everything that makes the original a crowd favorite without overwhelming young players. Grade 1.5 voicing allows even developing marching bands to deliver authentic rock attitude, and the 1:45 runtime fits perfectly into any show or concert program. Directors trust the Very Easy Pops series because the charts respect the source material while prioritizing playability.
What to expect
Infectious and driving. The arrangement channels the original's unbridled rock and roll energy without demanding virtuosity. Even at Grade 1.5, it feels authentic and fun to play, with straightforward rhythmic ideas that let students focus on groove and balance rather than technical complexity.
Who it's for
This is designed for beginning to early intermediate marching bands looking for a recognizable hit that plays at an accessible level. The Very Easy Pops series serves programs where students are still building fundamental marching and playing skills but want to perform material audiences immediately connect with.
How to get the most out of it
- Drive the tempo with steady energy from the front ensemble. The entire effect depends on locking in a groove rather than playing timidly.
- Balance the melody between sections rather than spotlighting a single part. Rock arrangements at this level work best when everyone participates in the forward motion.
- Emphasize articulation clarity in the brass parts to cut through the energy without sacrificing cohesion.
- Keep tuning tight in the lower voices, especially the tuba line, which anchors the harmonic foundation throughout.
How to use it
Perfect for a spring or summer concert as a tonal shift from classical or contemporary show music. Many programs use it as a closer or second-to-last selection to send the audience home energized. It also works well as a sectional warm-up tune once everyone is secure on their parts.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing basic rock rhythms in a marching context
- Maintaining a steady groove while moving formation
- Balance and blend in four-part harmonic writing
- Articulation clarity in rock idiom
- Ensemble listening across multiple sections