We Are The World: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Lionel Richie / By Michael Jackson / As performed by USA For Africa / Arranged by John Higgins
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00144427
$60.00
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Description
In 1985 an unprecedented collaboration of recording artists created this benefit project for African famine relief. Now 25 years later, the recording industry has stepped up again with a remake of this powerful anthem to aid the relief efforts for Haiti.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00144427
More about this title
About the Composer: Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie emerged as one of pop music's most distinctive voices, first as the lead singer of Commodores before establishing himself as a solo artist and songwriter of enduring quality. His gift for crafting melodies that resonate across generations, combined with his understanding of how to arrange music for maximum emotional impact, made him an obvious choice when assembling artists for this humanitarian effort.
Why we love this
A Grade 3 arrangement of material this culturally significant allows your students to engage with a song they likely know while learning how pop songwriting translates to the marching arts. The melody sits naturally for most voices and instruments, the harmonic language is straightforward without being simplistic, and the emotional weight of the piece teaches young musicians that concert programming can carry real meaning beyond technical display.
What to expect
Earnest and unguarded, this arrangement preserves the original's direct emotional appeal while giving it the energy and scale of a marching ensemble. The piece builds from intimate verses into a powerful full-ensemble declaration, creating genuine uplift rather than manufactured excitement.
Who it's for
Directors seeking meaningful pop repertoire that resonates with student musicians and audiences alike will find this arrangement accessible without compromising musicality. It works equally well for schools looking to build awareness around service and social responsibility or simply wanting to perform a song with genuine cultural weight.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening verses with restraint. This arrangement works because the buildup feels earned; resist the urge to drive the tempo or add dynamic emphasis too early.
- Balance the vocal or featured soloist against the ensemble carefully during the verses. The melody must soar without drowning out inner voices that anchor the harmony.
- Let the final chorus breathe at full volume without rushing. The power comes from control and unity, not from pushing the tempo.
How to use it
Consider opening a concert with this piece to immediately establish tone and audience connection, or use it as a closer that leaves listeners thinking beyond the performance itself. It pairs well with other service-oriented programming or stands beautifully as a standalone feature that demonstrates your ensemble's range.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining ensemble blend across dynamic levels
- Balancing melody against harmonic support
- Phrasing pop melodies with natural speech-like delivery
- Controlling tempo and resisting the urge to rush during emotional climaxes
- Reading and executing straightforward pop harmonic progressions