(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (arr. Jay Dawson): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Aretha Franklin / As performed by Celine Dion / As performed by Mary J. Blige
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00422264
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Description
With inspiration from Aretha Franklin's version of her hit song, this arrangement captures the soulful essence in a marching band setting with a lyrical treatment of the melody, and a tempo that works on the field. The powerful chorus sounds out, and the piece concludes with a powerful and punctuated finality. Play it as a feature, or program it as part of an "Aretha Franklin" marching band show. Either way, your band and audience will enjoy the legendary song.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00422264
More about this title
About the Artist: Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) earned her title as the Queen of Soul through a career that redefined popular music. Her influence extends far beyond the concert stage into music education, where her recordings serve as masterclasses in phrasing, dynamics, and emotional authenticity. Franklin's approach to melody and her ability to honor a song's emotional core while making it entirely her own remain instructive models for musicians across all genres and levels.
Why we love this
Jay Dawson's arrangement honors Franklin's definitive interpretation while solving a real practical challenge: how to program a soul standard that feels authentic at marching band tempo. The lyrical treatment of the melody preserves what makes this song transcendent, while the powerful chorus and punctuated finale give your ensemble moments that land with genuine impact on the field.
What to expect
This arrangement wraps you in the warmth of Franklin's original while keeping your marching band's forward momentum. The melody unfolds with soul singer's phrasing, then the chorus opens up with the kind of punch that makes stadium audiences recognize the song immediately.
Who it's for
Bands seeking substantial pop or soul repertoire that performs well in field conditions and doesn't compromise musical substance. Directors building a complete Franklin tribute show or looking for a Grade 3 feature that challenges ensemble musicianship without overwhelming technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody's vulnerability in early phrases with the dynamic lift as the chorus builds. The contrast between introspection and assertion defines this arrangement.
- Shape the harmonic progression underneath the main theme; let those voice lines breathe rather than laying them flat. Soul music lives in the details of chord movement.
- Treat the final section's punctuation marks as compositional decisions, not just notation. Each accent and rest contributes to that promised powerful finality.
- Front-load your preparation on intonation within the harmonies. The soulful quality depends on blend and tuning at slower tempos where imprecision shows.
How to use it
Feature this as a centerpiece in a soul and R&B themed show, or pair it with other Franklin standards to build a complete tribute program. It also works as a strong closer on a pop music contest set, giving you a recognizable anthem that lands well while staying musically serious.
Skills your students will build
- Phrasing and dynamics in a non-classical style
- Maintaining steady tempo while executing expressive melody lines
- Balancing a featured melody against harmonic support
- Ensemble intonation and blend at slower tempos
- Interpreting punctuation marks and accents as musical expression rather than technical marks