We Are Young: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original recording while keeping the demands genuinely accessible for beginning bands. The opening drum intro immediately establishes the song's personality, and the main melody sits perfectly for students to feel like they're playing something current and relevant. This is the kind of chart that makes young musicians excited to come to rehearsal.

Uplifting and buoyant from the first drum hit. The melody unfolds with genuine warmth and optimism, buoyed by rhythmic energy that never feels rushed. There's an infectious confidence in the writing that makes playing it feel celebratory rather than merely competent.

Beginning concert bands and middle school groups ready to tackle material with real melodic appeal and contemporary relevance. Students who might be skeptical about band will connect with a song they actually know from Glee and current radio. This is the perfect gateway chart for students who think band music is always classical.

• Lock the drum part tight from the very first measure. The opening percussion introduction sets the tone for the entire performance, so clarity and steady tempo matter more than dynamics here.
• Balance the melody against the accompaniment parts so the main line sings through without the supporting voices drowning it out. Many Grade 1 charts tip toward heaviness in the middle voices.
• Keep the energy consistent throughout the piece. This arrangement thrives on enthusiasm, but sustained enthusiasm is different from playing loud. Focus on precision and forward motion rather than volume.
• Use the recorded track as a reference for phrasing and articulation style. The indie pop sensibility of the original carries over into how the melody should breathe.

Schedule this early in the year or concert season when you want to build student engagement and showcase how relevant band repertoire has become. It works beautifully on a mixed program alongside classical or educational pieces, offering a complete tonal contrast. The 2:30 duration makes it ideal for concert pacing and works equally well as an opener or closer depending on your programming flow.

• Sustaining phrases across bar lines in pop song contexts
• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
• Maintaining steady tempo and rhythmic precision in energetic settings
• Interpreting articulation and style markings for contemporary music
• Listening to ensemble blend while playing accessible material