Wipe Out Sheet Music Preview

Wipe Out: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Main Theme (Percussion Section Feature)

By The Surfaris / arr. Mike Story

Grade: 2 (Easy)

Item: 00-PK-0007860

Digital Download
makemusic Cloud badge
$55.00

One moment…

Description
Feature your percussion section this year with this hot new arrangement of the classic rock tune by the Surfaris. Surf's up! (1:20)

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

Sample Audio
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: Big and Easy
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 120
SKU: 00-PK-0007860

More about this title

About the Artist: The Surfaris

The Surfaris emerged from Glendora, California, in 1963 with a sound that defined the surf rock genre. Their instrumental hit "Wipe Out" became one of the most recognizable rock songs ever recorded, driven by explosive drums and punchy guitars that captured the energy of California's surf culture. The song has remained a staple of popular music for over six decades, appearing in films, television, and countless live performances across every musical style imaginable.

Why we love this

Arrangers Mike Story has crafted a version that lets your percussion section absolutely shine without overwhelming the rest of the ensemble. The Grade 2 setting makes this accessible for younger marching bands while preserving the infectious groove and explosive hits that made the original iconic. Audiences will recognize it instantly, and your students will have genuine fun playing a piece that rocks.

What to expect

Pure kinetic energy. The arrangement captures the staccato punch and driving rhythm of the original, with sudden crashes and fills that feel spontaneous and sharp. There's swagger here, the kind of confidence that comes from a groove locked in tight.

Who it's for

Marching bands in the first or second year of building a competitive or recreational program will find this arrangement immediately playable and engaging. Bands seeking a rock feature that showcases percussion without requiring advanced technique will benefit from the straightforward arranging and energetic style.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the snare drum part with the bass drum on the main groove. The precision of this partnership drives the entire arrangement and keeps the energy propulsive.
  • Let the tom fills breathe and sit slightly above the rest of the percussion texture. These are the flashy moments that make the percussion feature work.
  • Balance the guitar-like figures in the winds against the percussion feature so neither overshadows the other. The percussion shines brightest when the ensemble settles back slightly during showcase moments.
  • Nail the unison hits. "Wipe Out" is built on sudden, coordinated stops and crashes that punctuate the groove. Rehearse these transitions deliberately.

How to use it

Use this as a visual and sonic centerpiece in your fall or spring show, or as a standalone pep band feature at football games and competitions. Its recognizable melody and punchy arrangements make it ideal for audiences who may not be familiar with marching band conventions. The short duration (1:20) fits perfectly into a segment featuring percussion innovations or as a high-energy closer.

Skills your students will build

  • Unison hit coordination across the ensemble
  • Percussion section independence and featured playing
  • Groove-based rhythm accuracy and consistency
  • Dynamic contrast between feature moments and ensemble support
  • Rock style articulation and phrasing

You May Also Like