Play That Funky Music: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Mike Story's Grade 2 arrangement captures the funk authenticity of the original without sacrificing playability for developing bands. The instrumentation stays flexible enough to work across different ensemble sizes while maintaining that unmistakable groove that keeps students engaged from rehearsal through performance.

Funky, propulsive, and unapologetically groovy. The arrangement channels the original's infectious swagger into a marching band sound that swings hard and invites the entire ensemble to lock into a unified rhythmic pocket.

Bands at the Grade 2 level looking for contemporary repertoire that energizes students and audiences alike. This arrangement works equally well for concert band or marching band settings, making it a versatile choice for directors who want to program music that connects with students.

• Lock in the rhythm section first. The pocket drives this piece, so spend rehearsal time getting your percussion and low brass locked together before layering in the melodic voices.
• Emphasize the space between notes as much as the notes themselves. Funky music thrives on the syncopated rests and syncopated rhythms, so punch those articulations cleanly and let the silence breathe.
• Balance the brass and woodwind lines so the main hooks cut through the texture. This arrangement gives multiple sections moments to carry the melody, and clarity matters in a pop tune.
• Keep the tempo steady and groove-oriented rather than marching-band strict. This piece should feel like a band having fun, not executing drill-field precision.

Program this as a closer on a pops concert or halftime show where you want the audience on their feet. Its accessibility and fun factor make it perfect for community performances, football games, or any situation where you need a high-energy crowd pleaser that also showcases your band's rhythmic precision.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Funk and pop style interpretation
• Ensemble groove and pocket playing
• Dynamic control in a contemporary music context
• Cross-section balance in a melody-driven arrangement