The New Girl in Town: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

López captures the infectious energy and comedic spirit of this Hairspray standout while keeping the orchestration manageable for Grade 2 bands. The arrangement respects what makes the song memorable without overcomplicating the parts, so your students get to experience the fun of playing a current film hit without technical obstacles getting in the way.

Brisk, charming, and full of theatrical personality. The arrangement brings the sunny optimism and comedic snap of the Hairspray world to the concert hall, creating an accessible entry point for young musicians to experience how popular music translates to the concert band setting.

Grade 2 concert bands looking for high-interest material that connects to students' exposure to contemporary film and theater. Directors seeking a straightforward, entertaining opener or closer that generates immediate audience goodwill without demanding advanced technique.

• Keep the tempo steady and buoyant; this song thrives on rhythmic clarity and forward motion, so lock in the section leaders early and remind everyone that precision serves the groove.
• Balance the melodic lines across sections so the main tune cuts through without requiring soloistic playing; this is an ensemble moment that should feel unified and confident.
• Shape phrases with light dynamic contours rather than dramatic swells; the charm of this arrangement comes from character and clarity, not power.
• Use the recorded accompaniment if available to reinforce style and phrasing, especially for sections unfamiliar with the Broadway idiom.

Program this as an audience-friendly opener that sets a light, engaging tone for your concert. It works equally well as a second piece after a classical selection, offering contrast and variety while keeping energy levels high without exhausting your ensemble.

• Maintaining steady tempo under a simple harmonic framework
• Balancing melody and accompaniment parts in a pop idiom
• Playing with rhythmic precision in a groove-based context
• Responding to style cues from contemporary musical theater