La Bamba: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Ritchie Valens / As performed by Rick Mattingly / Arranged by Diane Downs
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00383169
$35.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| La Bamba - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Bells | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Vibes | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Xylophone 1 | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Xylophone 2 | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Marimba 1 | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Marimba 2 | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Marimba 3 | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Shaker | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Guiro | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Cowbell | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Timbales | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Bongos | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Congas | $6.00 | |
| La Bamba - Drum Set | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Founded and directed by award-winning educator Diane Downs, The Louisville Leopard Percussionists have been wowing audiences at national and regional conventions for years. In addition, they were featured recently in the HBO Family documentary "The Music in Me" in a segment entitled, "The Leopards Take Manhattan: The Little Band That Roared." Here are the authentic arrangements by Diane carefully edited by well-known educator/author Rick Mattingly. Each arrangement is written with a flexible instrumentation based around mallet instruments, drum set, and a variety of Latin instruments. Dur: 2:00
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00383169
More about this title
About the Artist: Ritchie Valens
Ritchie Valens broke through racial barriers in 1950s rock and roll, becoming one of the first Mexican-American artists to achieve mainstream chart success. His 1958 hit "La Bamba" reimagined a traditional Mexican folk song as a rock and roll anthem, and the song has since become a cultural cornerstone covered by countless artists across genres.
Valens' legacy extends far beyond a single hit. His willingness to blend Mexican musical traditions with American rock and roll opened doors for Latino musicians and demonstrated that authenticity and commercial appeal could coexist. For music educators, his work serves as a powerful entry point for discussions about cultural fusion, arrangement, and the evolution of popular music.
Why we love this
Diane Downs has crafted an arrangement that respects the song's infectious energy while giving concert bands genuine flexibility in how they approach it. The emphasis on mallet and Latin percussion creates texture and color that keeps players engaged even at Grade 3, and the 2-minute duration makes it an efficient addition to any concert without sacrificing musical substance.
What to expect
The energy crackles from the opening note. This arrangement captures the buoyancy of the original while inviting students to inhabit a groove that feels both accessible and rewarding. The interplay of mallet work, percussion texture, and driving rhythm creates an irresistible forward momentum.
Who it's for
Directors programming pop repertoire at the Grade 3 level who want an arrangement with genuine cultural integrity rather than a simplified knockoff. Bands interested in exploring Latin music traditions and percussion colors will find plenty of pedagogical value here.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the Latin percussion layers so they support rather than overpower the melody; the authenticity of the arrangement depends on letting each instrumental color shine through clearly.
- Establish the clave pattern early in rehearsals so rhythmic precision clicks into place before you layer in the melodic and harmonic elements.
- Work the drum set part with intentionality; the groove is what sells this arrangement, so invest rehearsal time in locking that foundation solid.
- Encourage ensemble members to listen to the original recording alongside your rehearsals so they absorb the character and feel beyond what the printed page can convey.
How to use it
Slot this into a pop or world music concert segment where it can anchor an evening or serve as a high-energy closer. The familiar melody draws audiences in immediately, making it an excellent choice for concerts aimed at families or community members less familiar with traditional concert band repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Latin rhythm patterns and clave-based ensemble coordination
- Mallet technique across multiple percussion instruments
- Melodic phrasing in rock and pop idioms
- Listening and responding to groove-based ensemble playing
- Cross-cultural musical arrangement and adaptation