We Are Family: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers [Sister Sledge] / arr. Roland Barrett
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0007999
$60.00
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Description
One of the most recognizable tunes ever is taken to a new level in the capable hands of arranger Roland Barrett. Great stands material, or use it as a feature song for your drill team or color guard! (1:45)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, We Are Family: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Mega Sounds for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
112
SKU:
00-PK-0007999
More about this title
About the Composer: Bernard Edwards
Bernard Edwards was a bassist, composer, and producer who co-founded Chic, one of the most influential bands of the disco and funk era. His rhythmic sensibility and sophisticated harmonic approach shaped the sound of dance music throughout the 1970s and beyond. Edwards' compositions remain staples of popular culture, and his work as a bassist set the standard for groove-oriented ensemble playing.
Why we love this
Roland Barrett's arrangement captures the infectious energy and radio-friendly hook of the original while giving your marching ensemble the tools to execute it cleanly at Grade 3. The tune's universal recognition means instant audience connection, and the flexible approach works equally well as a feature or as motivational stands material during rehearsal.
What to expect
Joyful and propulsive. The arrangement channels the original's celebratory spirit and funky backbone into a marching context, with clear section writing that lets every part contribute to the groove. It's the kind of tune that gets crowds on their feet and reminds your students why they play.
Who it's for
Marching bands at the Grade 3 level looking for contemporary material that connects with audiences and students alike. It works for groups seeking a high-energy feature number, color guard showcase, or confidence-building repertoire that doesn't demand virtuosic technique but rewards tight execution.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section early. The groove's pocket is everything; have your drumline and low brass establish the pulse before layering melodic voices.
- Balance the melody across sections rather than isolating it in one voice. This arrangement distributes the tune across multiple parts, so blend and balance become your tuning lever.
- Maintain steady energy throughout. The track is 1:45, which moves quickly; avoid any ritards or tempo dips that will flatten the drive.
- Let the horns float over the rhythm foundation. Emphasize clarity in articulation rather than volume to keep the tune conversational and light.
How to use it
Use this as a festival or evening parade staple where audience familiarity is an asset. It also pairs well in a pop or contemporary-music block alongside other accessible repertoire, or standalone as a concert opener that energizes the room before transitioning to heavier material.
Skills your students will build
- Executing funk and pop grooves with precision
- Balancing melody and rhythm parts in a non-traditional ensemble context
- Maintaining steady tempo and pocket in contemporary styles
- Sectional interdependence and listening across the ensemble
- Articulation clarity for conversational phrasing in pop arrangements