I Want You Back / ABC Sheet Music Preview

I Want You Back / ABC: Choral Instrumental Pak

By Berry Gordy / By Deke Richards / By Alphonso Mizell / By Frederick Perren / As performed by The Jackson 5 / Arranged by Mark Brymer

Item: 35-PK00133050

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$30.00

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Description
Duration: ca. 2:30.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00133050

More about this title

About the Composer: Berry Gordy

Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959 and shaped the sound of American popular music for generations. His work as a composer, producer, and visionary executive created the template for the modern record label, nurturing artists who broke racial barriers and defined an era. Understanding Gordy's influence on pop music history enriches any discussion of 20th century composition and arrangement.

The Jackson 5's early hits, including this one, emerged directly from Gordy's creative vision and the Motown songwriting factory. His ability to identify and develop both artists and material made him central to pop music education at every level.

Why we love this

Mark Brymer's arrangement captures the infectious groove and tight vocal writing of the original while keeping the voicing manageable for a combo choir. The piece brings genuine joy to rehearsals and programs without sacrificing musicianship. It's the kind of arrangement that earns applause because the singers are actually having fun performing it.

What to expect

Irresistible. The song bounces with youthful energy and optimism, built on a groove that stays in your head long after the concert ends. Singing this brings the warmth and personality of the original recording into the room, creating an immediate connection with audiences.

Who it's for

Concert choirs and vocal groups looking to add a recognizable pop standard to their repertoire. Directors who want students engaged with music they actually know and love, performed at a musical level that respects both the original and the ensemble.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the rhythmic precision in the opening. This song lives on pocket playing, so lock the entrance together and maintain that groove throughout.
  • Balance the solo lines against the background vocals so the melody stays clear. The arrangement depends on layered parts, but clarity always wins.
  • Invest time in the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals. Hearing how the parts sit in the mix helps singers understand their role in the overall texture.
  • Let the natural energy of the piece emerge from the performers rather than pushing artificially. A relaxed, confident delivery sounds more authentic than an over-rehearsed one.

How to use it

Perfect as a standalone moment in a variety concert or as part of a pop/soul medley that showcases your singers' versatility. It works equally well as a fun spring concert finale or an opening number that gets the audience smiling immediately.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision and pocket feel in contemporary music
  • Layered part-singing and background vocal balance
  • Singing over recorded accompaniment and staying rhythmically locked
  • Interpreting and performing well-known pop arrangements with musicality

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