Motown Production 2 (arr. Tom Wallace): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Tom Wallace's arrangement captures the infectious funk backbone of Wonder's originals while keeping the instrumentation within reach for a Grade 3 band. The medley structure lets you showcase two contrasting grooves in one production number, and the keyboard and percussion writing creates the exact kind of musical color that audiences remember.

Funky, energetic, and instantly recognizable. The arrangement captures that late 1970s Detroit soul sound while keeping the focus on straightforward groove and infectious rhythm section work. Students feel like they're playing something current and relevant, not a museum piece.

Directors programming a Motown themed show or looking for contemporary soul repertoire that excites audiences without overwhelming a developing band. This works equally well as a standalone production number or as part of a larger medley concert.

• Lock the keyboard rhythms with your snare backbeats; this is where the groove either clicks or falls apart
• Let the mallet percussion breathe in the transitions between the two songs; they're doing the melodic work that keeps continuity
• Emphasize the syncopation in the lower brass without rushing; Stevie's original grooves sit slightly behind the beat

Pair this with other Motown Production numbers from the same show, or use it as a high-energy second or third number in a concert to shift the mood away from traditional march repertoire. The Grade 3 difficulty makes it ideal for mid-season programming once your section fundamentals are solid.

• Funk and soul rhythmic interpretation
• Syncopation and rhythmic precision in groove-based music
• Ensemble cohesion with keyboard and percussion as anchor voices
• Phrasing and dynamics in a non-traditional harmonic context