I Got Rhythm: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious spirit of this 1930 standard while keeping the parts singable and straightforward for young musicians. The chart never sacrifices the song's charm for accessibility, which means your band can sound mature and assured from the downbeat.

Confident, peppy, and swinging. There's a vintage Hollywood feel here, but the contemporary arrangement keeps it modern and spirited rather than nostalgic. Your audience will smile the moment that first melody enters.

First-year concert band musicians will find clear, playable parts that still allow them to tackle a real piece with genuine style. Programs looking for high-recognition repertoire that doesn't insult young musicians' musicality should mark this one down.

• Keep the pulse buoyant and forward-moving throughout. The piece thrives on rhythmic clarity, so use a crisp articulation in the rhythm section to anchor the ensemble.
• Balance the melody generously against the supporting voices. First-year brass sections often dominate, so ask woodwinds to project and ask brass to listen back.
• Pay attention to the form. Since the tune is so recognizable, small variations in phrasing and dynamics will keep the 1:45 performance fresh and engaging.

This sits perfectly as an opener or closer on a concert that mixes classical and contemporary work. It also pairs well with other Story arrangements at this level if you're building a pop or jazz-influenced set.

• Swing rhythms and jazz articulation
• Listening to and balancing multiple melodic lines
• Maintaining a steady tempo under rhythmic comping
• Phrase shaping in a popular music idiom