Levitating: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Buoyant and rhythmically propulsive, with that unmistakable pop-funk swagger of the original. The arrangement keeps things moving and bright, built on a foundation of steady groove and infectious energy that makes playing it as fun as listening to it.

Marching bands at the Grade 3 level who want to engage students with contemporary repertoire that feels current and energetic. This works especially well for bands looking to program modern pop music in a way that respects both the original and the ensemble.

• Lock in the rhythm section first. The groove lives in the consistency of the bass and drum parts, so spend rehearsal time getting those locked together before layering the melody and harmony.
• Keep the funk articulation crisp and intentional. Staccatos need definition, but avoid making them sound mechanical; this is dance music, not march music.
• Balance the synth-like lines with the ensemble sound. The arrangement includes parts that evoke electronic sounds, so use dynamic shaping to keep those voices present without overwhelming the whole band.

Perfect as a closer or special feature on a concert when you want to shift the energy and connect with an audience that knows the song. The 2:01 runtime makes it ideal for a mixed program, and it pairs well with both traditional marching band fare and other contemporary arrangements.

• Funk and pop articulation and phrasing
• Maintaining steady groove in ensemble context
• Reading syncopated rhythm patterns in a contemporary style
• Balancing melody, harmony, and rhythm parts in groove-based music