Never Can Say Goodbye: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious groove of the original while tailoring it perfectly for marching band instrumentation and skill levels. The variety of melodic textures keeps the chart engaging without overwhelming younger players, and that trumpet solo gives your section a genuine moment to shine.

Smooth, confident funk with a soulful undercurrent. The arrangement walks the line between contemporary appeal and musical substance, delivering the swagger of the original Jackson 5 hit while maintaining the integrity marching band audiences expect.

Intermediate bands seeking accessible pop repertoire that sounds polished without excessive technical demands. The Grade 2-3 level makes it viable for middle school and developing high school ensembles, or as a crowd-pleasing concert piece for more advanced groups looking for something contemporary.

• Lock the backbeat with your low brass and battery to establish the funk foundation early; this groove underpins everything else.
• Balance the trumpet solo so it speaks clearly above the ensemble texture without losing the supporting harmonies underneath.
• Let the final refrain breathe slightly before hitting it hard; the familiar melody deserves its moment of impact.

This works equally well as a spring concert opener or a pops showcase finale. Its moderate difficulty and strong audience recognition make it an excellent choice for recruiting concerts or community events where you want to demonstrate your band's stylistic range.

• Funk groove interpretation and pocket playing
• Balancing melody against syncopated background textures
• Sectional solos within an ensemble context
• Dynamics control across varying instrumental combinations