Wicked - Part 1 (arr. Richard L. Saucedo): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Stephen Schwartz / Arranged by Richard L. Saucedo
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK01507669
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About the Composer: Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz has written some of the most performed musical theater scores in the world, from "Godspell" and "Pippin" in the 1970s to "Wicked" and "Hadestown" in recent decades. His gift for memorable melody paired with emotionally intelligent lyrics has made his work a staple of both professional and educational theater programs, earning him four Tony Awards and two Academy Awards.
Why we love this
Richard Saucedo's arrangement captures the theatrical drama of "Wicked" without overwhelming a Grade 4 ensemble. The opening texture draws listeners in immediately, and "No One Mourns the Wicked" gives your band a chance to deliver genuine emotional weight, not just technical prowess. Programming this opener signals to your audience that they're in for something special.
What to expect
You're stepping into the world of Oz with an edge. The arrangement pulses with dark intrigue, building from a whispered opening into bold, defiant energy. It feels less like a traditional marching band opener and more like the curtain rising on a story that demands your attention.
Who it's for
Grade 4 marching bands looking for an arresting opening number with real theatrical substance. Directors who want their students to experience Broadway-quality source material arranged at a technically accessible level will find this especially valuable.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the dramatic opening strains with clear dynamic contrast and deliberate phrasing; resist the urge to push tempo here, letting the tension build naturally.
- Balance the melody line in "No One Mourns the Wicked" so it cuts through without the accompaniment fading into the background; this isn't a whisper piece but a proclamation.
- Mark your cut-off points clearly, especially between sections, so the band understands exactly where each musical thought ends and the next begins.
- Use the recorded accompaniment as a rehearsal tool to lock in the ensemble's pulse, but pull it during performances to let your band own the dramatic arc.
How to use it
Open your show with this and you've immediately set a theatrical tone for the entire program. It works beautifully as a standalone feature, or pair it with other contemporary musical theater arrangements to create a "Broadway comes to the field" concept. The dramatic arc also makes it an excellent choice for indoor percussion ensemble or winds-only competitions.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained dynamic control and shaping of long melodic lines
- Balancing ensemble texture to feature a primary melodic voice
- Responding to theatrical pacing and musical gesture rather than metrical simplicity
- Ensemble cohesion through clear sectional entrances and cut-offs
- Reading and executing contemporary Broadway orchestration idioms