Description
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Winner: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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About the Arranger: Ralph Ford

Ralph Ford has built a career spanning composition, arrangement, conducting, and music education. Beginning his arranging work as a teenager in Panama City, Florida, he went on to earn his Master of Science degree while serving as a faculty arranger and instructor at Troy State University for fifteen years. He later transitioned to full-time composing and arranging, establishing himself as an exclusive composer and arranger for the Belwin division of Alfred Music in Los Angeles, California.
With over 250 published titles across orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and marching band, Ford has become one of the most prolific arrangers in American music education. His work extends beyond the concert hall; he has composed jingles that earned international advertising awards and produced music for television, radio, and digital media. His arrangements are performed regularly by university, military, professional, community, and school ensembles worldwide.
Why we love this
Ford captures the swagger and energy of this 2010 chart-topper without sacrificing the musical chops your band needs to execute it cleanly. The arrangement sits perfectly at Grade 3, giving every section moments to shine while maintaining the infectious groove that made the original such a cultural moment. It's the kind of contemporary pop arrangement that keeps students engaged and reminds audiences why marching band matters.
What to expect
A confident, energetic groove that pulses with modern swagger. The arrangement sparkles with layered horn writing and crisp rhythmic figures that keep the ensemble driving forward, creating that triumphant, celebratory feel that made the original an NBA playoffs anthem.
Who it's for
Marching bands at the Grade 3 level who want to program recent pop music with substance and style. This works equally well for bands looking to balance their typical marching repertoire with something contemporary, or for programs building a show concept around recognizable hits.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the rhythm section locked tight from rehearsal one; the groove is everything, so establish a clear pulse in the snare line and bass drums before layering the melodic voices on top.
- Balance the horn lines carefully so the melody reads clearly through the harmony; this arrangement has rich, full voicing that can obscure the tune if the lead voices aren't projected slightly.
- Use the dynamic markings as structural signposts; Ford builds energy in layers, so respecting the written dynamics will make the form obvious and keep the pacing compelling.
- Mark your breathing spots early and stick to them; the phrases move quickly, and coordinated breath marks across sections prevent ragged attacks and releases.
How to use it
Slot this into a competitive or exhibition show as a standalone feature, or use it as an opener to establish energy and crowd connection early in your program. It also pairs well with other contemporary pop arrangements if you're building a themed set, and the familiar melody gives audiences an immediate emotional hook.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing multiple melodic lines within a dense harmonic texture
- Maintaining precision and groove in syncopated rhythmic figures
- Executing dynamic contrast and phrasing in contemporary pop idioms
- Coordinating entrances and releases across full ensemble sections