Bad Blood: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Doug Adams captures the swagger and infectious groove of this pop hit in an arrangement that sits perfectly at Grade 2. Marching bands love material that connects with their audiences instantly, and "Bad Blood" delivers that pop culture relevance without sacrificing the precision and musical integrity your ensemble needs to perform.

The arrangement captures the confidence and attitude of the original recording. You'll hear bright brass stabs, propulsive rhythm, and clean melodic lines that make this accessible yet musically satisfying for young performers and listeners.

Marching bands looking for contemporary pop material that resonates with students and audiences alike will find this a natural fit. It works equally well for pep band, stands performance, or as part of a show that blends popular music with traditional marching fundamentals.

• Lock the backbeat with your snare line and bass drum section. This song thrives on rhythmic tightness, so spend rehearsal time isolating the percussion foundation before layering in the melodic voices.
• Balance the front ensemble carefully. The synth-like textures that make this arrangement shine depend on clean attacks and consistent dynamics across the woodwinds and brass.
• Shape the call-and-response moments between sections. These dialogues are what give the chart personality, so encourage your sections to listen to each other and respond with clarity.
• Emphasize the rhythmic articulation in the horns and reeds. This pop arrangement succeeds when the band collectively delivers tight, confident tonguing throughout.

This is ideal for pep band appearances, halftime shows with contemporary themes, or as an opener that immediately engages your audience. The compact length (1:40) makes it work well in mixed programs where you want a high-energy pop moment between traditional repertoire.

• Rhythmic precision in pop/contemporary idioms
• Articulation control in syncopated passages
• Section balance and blend in chord-driven arrangements
• Call-and-response listening between instrumental groups
• Performing with infectious groove while maintaining ensemble accuracy