No One Mourns The Wicked / Dancing Through Life (arr. Matt Conaway): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Matt Conaway's arrangement captures the theatrical personality of these two Wicked standouts while keeping the instrumentation manageable for Grade 2 ensembles. Pairing a dramatic opening number with an infectious, rhythmically engaging dance selection gives you built-in programming contrast, and the familiar melodies guarantee audience engagement whether you're performing for parents or the general public.

Opening with the dark, contemplative atmosphere of the Wicked premiere before shifting into the infectious groove of 'Dancing Through Life' creates an emotional arc that feels theatrical and energetic by turns. The arrangement captures the defiant, witty tone of the source material while keeping the sound crisp and clear on the field.

Marching bands at the Grade 2 level looking to program accessible Broadway material that connects with contemporary audiences. Directors seeking recognizable music from the Wicked film adaptations will find these arrangements both musically substantial and student-friendly.

• Balance the melodic line in the opening number; the opening theme should soar above any accompaniment, so check that your lead voices aren't being buried by supporting parts.
• Establish a clear distinction between the two pieces in rehearsal. 'No One Mourns the Wicked' demands dramatic phrasing and controlled dynamics, while 'Dancing Through Life' needs a lighter touch and consistent rhythmic energy.
• Pay particular attention to section transitions within each arrangement. Matt Conaway writes for the page, so clean hand-offs between phrases keep the narrative momentum moving forward.

Build a thematic halftime show by combining this arrangement with the other new Wicked selections available from the same arranger (The Wizard and I, Defying Gravity, For Good). Alternatively, use this pairing as a standalone closer that brings immediate recognition and audience connection to a concert program.

• Executing dynamic contrast between reflective and rhythmically driven material
• Maintaining consistent ensemble blend across multiple melodic and accompaniment textures
• Coordinating clean entrances and exits through section transitions
• Shaping sustained lines with appropriate breath support and phrasing
• Interpreting theatrical expression within a marching ensemble context