Bruno Mars Greatest Hits: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Arranger Victor López has crafted an arrangement that captures the infectious energy and immediate appeal of these three massive hits without sacrificing musical substance. A medley format at this accessible grade level gives your ensemble the chance to perform contemporary, recognizable music that genuinely excites both players and audiences—something too rare in concert band literature.

The energy shifts across these three hits: opening with the irresistible uptempo groove of "Locked Out of Heaven," settling into the tender vulnerability of "When I Was Your Man," and closing with the infectious celebration of "Just the Way You Are." Throughout, the arrangement maintains the pop sensibility and production-inspired orchestration that made these songs chart-toppers, while the concert band instrumentation gives them a fresh, ensemble-focused vitality.

This medley is ideal for concert bands at the Grade 3 (Medium Easy) level looking to program contemporary music that connects with current students and audiences. Directors seeking repertoire that balances accessibility with genuine musical engagement will find this arrangement delivers on both fronts.

• Pay close attention to the groove and pocket in "Locked Out of Heaven." This arrangement demands rhythmic precision and forward momentum; lock your rhythm section together first, then layer in the remaining voices to achieve that characteristic swagger.
• Shape the ballad section in "When I Was Your Man" with dynamic sensitivity and warm tone quality. This is your chance to demonstrate control and emotional maturity as an ensemble.
• Balance the melodic layers during the medley transitions. Supporting parts must remain transparent so the main theme cuts through; use the full band only when the arrangement calls for tutti passages.
• Approach the articulation markings in "Just the Way You Are" as written. The precision of the tonguing and staccato passages is what gives this arrangement its pop authenticity and contemporary character.

This medley works exceptionally well as a closer to a spring concert, providing a high-energy finale that leaves audiences on their feet. It also serves as an excellent bridge between traditional band repertoire and contemporary music in a mixed programming context, signaling to students and families that concert band is current and relevant.

• Rhythmic precision in funk and pop groove patterns
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in ensemble texture
• Sustaining musical phrasing across style changes within a medley
• Articulation and tonguing clarity in contemporary idioms
• Dynamic control from soft ballad passages to driving ensemble unisons