Play That Funky Music: Marching Band Conductor Score

Mike Story's arrangement captures everything that makes the original irresistible while keeping the demands realistic for Grade 2 bands. The arrangement respects the funk feel and hook that audiences recognize immediately, which means your students aren't playing a watered-down version but rather a smart adaptation. It's the kind of piece that generates real energy in rehearsal and earns genuine applause at concerts.

Infectious and propulsive. The piece bounces with the same irresistible funk energy as the original, complete with that iconic hook that audiences have known for decades. Even at an accessible grade level, the arrangement delivers genuine rhythmic vitality and a feel-good factor that makes both players and listeners smile.

Any marching band looking to add a crowd-pleasing pop hit to their repertoire without sacrificing the authentic groove. Grade 2 bands with solid fundamentals will find the arrangement manageable while still engaging to play. This works equally well for concert band if you're looking to program something contemporary that your ensemble can handle with confidence.

• Lock the groove by isolating the rhythm section (bass, drums, percussion) first. Get them locked before layering in the melodic voices so the funk pocket stays tight.
• Emphasize the signature funky articulation in the brass hits. These aren't smooth jazz attacks; they're punchy and slightly syncopated to nail that original flavor.
• Balance the melody so it cuts through the rhythmic texture. The hook needs to be heard clearly even when the full arrangement is moving.
• Keep tempo steady throughout. The funkiness relies on rhythmic consistency, so lock into a tempo with the metronome and hold it.

Program this as a concert closer or opening number to energize your audience and showcase your band's rhythmic precision. It pairs well with a mix of classic band literature and contemporary pops, giving your program personality and accessibility. The eight-page conductor score makes it manageable to prepare without overwhelming your rehearsal calendar.

• Funk groove and rhythmic precision in contemporary pop styles
• Syncopated articulation and phrasing in brass and woodwind sections
• Section balance and blend when featuring melody over active rhythmic accompaniment
• Reading and executing repeated rhythmic figures with stylistic consistency