Great Balls of Fire: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer [Jerry Lee Lewis] / arr. Nick Baratta
Grade: 2.5 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0007991
$55.00
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Description
Goodness, gracious, here's a great chart! Veteran arranger Nick Baratta has taken this rock and roll classic by Jerry Lee Lewis to new levels in this driving new version. (1:20)
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:
Mega Sounds for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
110
SKU:
00-PK-0007991
More about this title
About the Composer: Otis Blackwell
Otis Blackwell was a prolific songwriter and performer who shaped early rock and roll during the 1950s. Though often overlooked compared to his contemporaries, Blackwell's compositions and distinctive vocal delivery influenced generations of musicians and remain staples of the rock and roll canon.
Blackwell's knack for writing infectious, high-energy material made him a natural fit for the emerging rock and roll scene. His ability to craft memorable hooks and driving rhythms translates particularly well to ensemble settings, where the infectious spirit of his work energizes both players and audiences.
Why we love this
Nick Baratta's arrangement captures the raw excitement of this rock and roll staple without losing sight of what makes it instantly recognizable. At Grade 2.5, the chart stays accessible while giving every section meaningful material to play, ensuring your band sounds cohesive and energized rather than spread thin across a thin texture.
What to expect
Pure, unbridled rock and roll energy. The arrangement captures the swagger and drive of the original while delivering the kind of visceral excitement that makes audiences sit up and pay attention. It's the sound of a band having fun and playing with confidence.
Who it's for
Marching bands at the intermediate level looking for a crowd-pleasing, recognizable show tune that doesn't demand advanced technical skills. This chart works equally well for concert bands seeking accessible rock material with genuine musical substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the groove locked and steady from the opening bars; the energy of this piece lives in rhythmic precision, not rushing. Your rhythm section sets the foundation for everything else.
- Balance brightness in the upper woodwinds and brass without letting them overpower the melody line. The classic guitar-driven character needs room to breathe.
- Shape phrases across the full ensemble with clean articulation. Rock and roll thrives on clarity, especially in the more densely voiced sections.
- Use the recorded accompaniment or backing track to lock in the tempo and feel; hearing the original groove reinforces authenticity and keeps your band locked to the arrangement's intent.
How to use it
Program this as a show-closer or mid-show moment to shift energy and engage the crowd. It pairs well alongside other classic rock repertoire as part of a themed concert or stands alone as a standalone feature to showcase your band's ability to nail contemporary style.
Skills your students will build
- Rock and roll articulation and phrasing
- Maintaining steady groove in ensemble contexts
- Balance between melody and supporting voices
- Reading and executing a medium-density full band score
- Interpreting period-appropriate style and feel