I Gotta Be Me: Concert Band Conductor Score

Reid Thomas captures the infectious energy of the Glee version while keeping the chart accessible for Grade 2 ensembles. The high-energy swing style gives your band something genuinely fun to play, not a watered-down version of a pop tune, and your audience will recognize it immediately.

Upbeat and joyful, with the swagger of a swing arrangement that invites audiences into a party. The high-energy style captures the spirit of the Glee version without demanding advanced technical facility from your ensemble.

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level seeking repertoire that connects with student musicians through familiar, contemporary material. Directors programming variety concerts or shows that aim for broad audience appeal will find this a reliable crowd-pleaser.

• Establish a solid swing groove in the rhythm section before adding the full band; a clean, relaxed backbeat drives the whole arrangement.
• Balance the brass section so the melody voices cut through without overwhelming the supporting harmonies, especially during the main theme.
• Keep the tempo crisp and energetic throughout, resisting the urge to drag; the 1:24 duration moves at a clip that maintains momentum.

Program this as a concert opener or pops show feature to set a celebratory tone. The brevity and recognizable source material make it an excellent fit for variety concerts, school talent shows, or any program where you want to feature your band's ability to swing with style and ease.

• Playing in swing style with proper articulation and rhythmic feel
• Balancing melody and accompaniment within a full ensemble texture
• Maintaining steady tempo and energy in a high-tempo arrangement
• Reading and interpreting popular music notation conventions