Any Way You Want It: 1st Percussion

Michael Story's arrangement strips this arena rock anthem down to its essentials without sacrificing the swagger that made it a radio favorite. At Grade 1, it delivers immediate satisfaction for developing musicians who get to play something their families actually recognize. The straightforward voicing and clear harmonic structure make it an ideal vehicle for teaching rock style and contemporary repertoire to younger ensembles.

Confident and direct. The arrangement captures the unfussy charm of the original: electric guitar riffs translated to band instruments, straightforward harmonies that lock in place, and a rhythm that invites your students to groove rather than march. There's genuine fun in playing something recognizable and cool at an accessible level.

Beginning and early intermediate concert bands looking to program contemporary rock music alongside traditional repertoire. Grade 1 players will find accessible, idiomatic material that teaches ensemble cohesion and style without technical barriers.

• Emphasize the groove in the rhythm section; lock the kick drum and bass line together to establish the confident, driving pulse that defines the original recording.
• Balance the melody across your higher voices so it cuts through without forcing; the lead line should feel effortless and soaring.
• Shape phrases with subtle dynamics rather than dramatic shifts; rock music in this idiom relies on groove and pocket, not contrast.
• Let the band sit back slightly on the beat rather than pushing ahead; this relaxed timing creates the laid-back confidence the song demands.

Program this as a crowd-pleaser on a concert featuring popular music or as a bridge between classical and contemporary styles. It works particularly well in a set with other Pop Beginning Band titles, or as a concert opener that immediately engages student musicians and audience alike.

• Playing with a contemporary rock groove and relaxed timing
• Balancing melody and harmonic accompaniment in a popular music idiom
• Reading and executing ensemble coordination across multiple instrumental families
• Understanding arrangement principles and how melodies translate from guitar to band instrumentation