Karate (Everybody's Everything): Percussion Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Energetic and celebratory, with the warm resonance of marimba and the syncopated drive of Latin percussion. The groove sits in a comfortable pocket that feels immediately musical, inviting audiences into a familiar, joyful sound world.

Percussion ensembles at the intermediate level (Grade 3) with access to marimbas, congas, bongos, timbales, and auxiliary percussion. This works well for groups looking to expand beyond classical percussion literature into popular music while maintaining ensemble musicianship standards.

• Lock the kick drum, electric bass, and conga rhythm together in early rehearsals; once that foundation is solid, the pitched percussion parts will sit naturally on top of it.
• Balance the marimba parts so neither overwhelms the other, especially if you're doubling them on a single instrument. The melody should speak clearly through the groove.
• Encourage the conga and bongo players to listen carefully to each other and to the kick drum to maintain the tight, syncopated feel that drives the original recording.
• Use the recorded arrangement as a reference for the overall sound and pocket, but allow your ensemble to develop its own energy within the established groove.

Program this as a contemporary pop highlight on a percussion-centered concert or a mixed classical and popular program. It works especially well as a closer or mid-set energy builder that reminds audiences why Santana's music has remained accessible and joyful across decades.

• Latin percussion grooves and clave-based rhythms
• Ensemble coordination across pitched and unpitched instruments
• Reading rhythm section parts with syncopation
• Marimba melodic playing within a full ensemble texture
• Listening and blending multiple percussion lines simultaneously