We Are Young: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious energy and sing-along appeal of the original without sacrificing the sophistication that makes it work in a concert setting. The optional piano and drumset parts give you flexibility in how you voice the piece, whether you're looking for a lean string-focused version or a fuller pop sound. At Grade 2.5, it sits in that sweet spot where students feel challenged by real musical content but succeed quickly enough to stay engaged.

Joyful and propulsive, with the kind of melodic clarity that makes audiences sit up and listen. The piece carries the unmistakable optimism of its pop roots while gaining ensemble sophistication through the string writing; it feels like a celebration rather than a concert obligation.

String orchestra directors working at the middle school or early high school level who want contemporary repertoire that connects with students' real musical lives. This arrangement works equally well for community youth orchestras or prep programs seeking a confident, modern-sounding program piece that doesn't require extensive rehearsal time.

• Balance the melody among your first violins so it projects clearly; this tune depends on the listener immediately connecting with the main hook, and your soloists need confidence to deliver that.
• If you include the optional drumset part, rehearse it separately with your strings first so the rhythm section doesn't overshadow the string texture during early run-throughs.
• Keep the tempo steady and energetic without rushing; younger ensembles tend to accelerate when they're excited, and this piece thrives on a locked, confident pulse.
• Attend to the dynamic shapes around the chorus sections; the arrangement likely builds intensity there, and clear crescendos and sudden drops will heighten the dramatic effect.

Program this as a standalone concert opener to establish energy and goodwill with your audience, or pair it with other contemporary pop or light concert arrangements to create a thematic set that shows your ensemble's range. It also works well as a spring concert showcase piece after students have built technical confidence earlier in the year.

• Executing clean articulation within pop-influenced rhythmic figures
• Balancing melody with accompaniment parts in a homophonic texture
• Responding to optional percussion parts while maintaining ensemble independence
• Sustaining dynamic control across moderate-length phrases
• Reading and performing contemporary music notation and style markings