Wicked - Part 2 (arr. Richard L. Saucedo): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Saucedo's arrangement captures the Broadway energy of these iconic numbers without overwhelming a marching ensemble. The pairing of "Dancing Through Life" in a light rock setting with the soaring "Defying Gravity" creates natural momentum and emotional arc on the field. You get contemporary repertoire that audiences recognize and students actively want to perform.

You move from the infectious, carefree energy of defying convention and living in the moment straight into the breathtaking vulnerability of someone discovering their own strength. The arrangement lifts you from the everyday into something transcendent, with enough accessibility that every player feels the emotional stakes.

Grade 4 bands with solid section balance and the maturity to handle two distinct stylistic worlds in one arrangement. This works especially well for groups comfortable with contemporary Broadway material and programs looking to feature recognizable music that energizes audiences.

• Nail the rhythmic precision in "Dancing Through Life"; the groove matters more than pushing the tempo. Let the rock feel breathe rather than charging forward.
• Build "Defying Gravity" gradually through the second half. The orchestration expands purposefully, so resist the urge to peak early in the arrangement.
• Emphasize the visual impact points Saucedo has written in. These moments are designed to land both musically and visually on the field, so coordinate drill and music cues carefully.
• Balance the contrasting moods between sections. The lighter first number sets up the power ballad brilliantly if you don't oversell either one.

This sits perfectly as a closer to a concert set where you want to send the audience home energized and humming. Consider programming it after more traditional selections to showcase your band's versatility, or feature it as a homecoming or spring concert anchor. The two contrasting numbers also make it ideal for intermediate-level marching bands looking to build a cohesive production around recognizable material.

• Stylistic differentiation between light rock and contemporary ballad writing
• Dynamic control across a two-movement form with contrasting moods
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated ensemble passages
• Sustaining melodic lines at varied vocal ranges within an instrumental context
• Responding to marked visual and sonic cues for field placement and musical release