Lips Are Movin': String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures every infectious hook of the original while keeping the technical demands age-appropriate for a Grade 1.5 ensemble. The piece delivers genuine fun without sacrificing musicianship, and it's rewarding to see young string players nail a song their peers actually know and love.

Playful and upbeat, with the kind of melodic catchiness that makes students want to play it over and over. The arrangement stays energetic without becoming chaotic, maintaining the cheeky pop charm of the original.

Young string orchestras at the beginning levels who are ready to tackle contemporary repertoire with enthusiasm. This works for orchestras preparing festival repertoire or looking to program something that resonates with student musicians and audiences alike.

• Balance the melody across your string sections so the catchy hooks remain front-and-center; resist the urge to let accompaniment lines overpower the tune.
• Work the high and low second finger positions deliberately in rehearsals before running the full piece; this is the pedagogical payoff, so mark fingerings clearly in parts and check intonation frequently.
• Keep articulations clean and consistent, especially in rhythmic figures; the pop style thrives on crisp definition rather than sustained legato.

Pair this with a more traditional classical selection to show range and variety in a concert program, or program it as a closer for a lighter set that leaves audiences smiling. It's also an excellent choice for school assemblies or informal performance contexts where engagement matters.

• High and low second finger positions (violin and viola)
• Pop style articulation and rhythmic precision
• Balancing melody with accompaniment
• Reading and executing contemporary melodic lines