Out of Sight: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Jerry Burns captures the essence of Brown's signature groove in an arrangement that marching bands can execute cleanly at Grade 2 level without sacrificing the funk. The short duration (1:20) makes this ideal for pep band rotations, pre-game performances, and concert programming where you need immediate energy and crowd engagement. Your students will actually want to play this one.

Irresistible, propulsive energy. The groove settles into your bones immediately, and the arrangement keeps it simple enough that students can focus on locking in rather than wrestling with complexity. It feels less like a concert piece and more like a celebration.

This arrangement works for marching bands seeking accessible funk material that appeals to students and audiences alike. It's equally suited to pep bands looking for high-impact, short-form repertoire and to programs building confidence with Grade 2 charts that still sound polished and contemporary.

• Lock the kick drum and bass line into a tight pocket; the groove lives in the pocket, not in playing ahead or behind the beat.
• Keep the hi-hat/cymbal part articulate and consistent; it drives the funky feel and anchors the section.
• Balance the horn stabs so they cut through without overshadowing the rhythm section; they're punctuation, not melody.
• Maintain steady tempo throughout; any fluctuation disrupts the funk and makes the drill harder to execute.

Program this as an opener at pep rallies, halftime shows, or football games where you need instant audience connection. It also pairs well in a concert context as a palate-cleanser between classical or march-heavy selections, giving your band a chance to stretch into contemporary vernacular.

• Syncopated rhythms in a funk idiom
• Groove-based ensemble playing and pocket awareness
• Horn stab articulation and cut-through balance
• Marching execution while maintaining steady tempo under funky rhythmic pressure