The King of Pop: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Larry Moore's arrangement captures the infectious energy of these five hits while keeping the string writing accessible and rewarding. Your students will immediately recognize these melodies, which means they'll bring genuine enthusiasm to rehearsals, and the Grade 3-4 difficulty means you're not sacrificing musicianship for engagement.

Infectious. These arrangements bring the groove and precision of the original recordings to the string section without losing the warmth that makes Jackson's melodies so memorable. You get the satisfaction of playing songs that shaped modern music, delivered with a professional sheen.

String orchestras at the intermediate level who want to program contemporary music that resonates with students and audiences alike. This works equally well for concert programs, pops concerts, or collaborative performances with other ensembles.

• Lean into the rhythmic precision that makes these songs iconic. Even though the parts are playable at this grade level, the groove depends on tight articulation and consistent subdivision across all sections.
• Balance the melodic lines carefully when multiple sections carry thematic material. String orchestras can easily disappear into accompaniment figures, so give soloists clarity while maintaining the arrangement's intended texture.
• Use dynamics to shape the journey across these five selections. Moving from the dramatic intensity of 'Thriller' through the funkiness of 'Rock with You' to the introspection of 'Man in the Mirror' requires thoughtful pacing between pieces.

Consider this as a bridge between classical and popular music in your concert season. It pairs naturally with a themed program celebrating pop music's influence on contemporary composition, or stands powerfully as a finale that connects with family members who might not otherwise attend a traditional concert.

• Executing rhythmic accuracy in syncopated pop grooves
• Balancing independent melodic lines with underlying harmonic texture
• Reading and executing swift dynamic changes across extended passages
• Sustaining consistent articulation and tone within funk-influenced stylistic contexts