What a Man Gotta Do (arr. Tom Wallace): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Tom Wallace and Tony McCutchen have captured the propulsive spirit of the original without losing sight of what makes this work for a marching ensemble. The arrangement leans into the groove rather than fighting it, giving your percussion section and wind lines equally satisfying material to execute.

Energetic and groove-centered, with an infectious rhythmic drive that makes you want to move. The arrangement maintains the song's upbeat swagger while keeping the melodic core clear enough for students to recognize and connect with.

Directors looking for Grade 3 material that sparks genuine enthusiasm from students without sacrificing musicianship. This works especially well for programs where contemporary repertoire signals to students that school ensemble music can be fun and current.

• Keep the rhythmic pulse locked between your snare line and the syncopated wind figures; any drift upsets the song's propulsive character.
• The soulful quality lives in the articulation choices. Push your students toward crisp, intentional tonguing on the driving passages rather than blurred technique.
• Balance the percussion feature moments so they feel like a conversation with the winds, not a takeover. Both sections need air to breathe.

Program this in the spring concert when your ensemble has built technical confidence and can handle the coordinated rhythmic demands. It pairs well alongside more traditional repertoire as a moment where the audience recognizes the song and the students visibly enjoy themselves.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution across sections
• Balancing rhythmic independence with ensemble lock
• Articulation control for defining groove and style
• Percussion feature writing and section coordination