Bruno Mars on Tour: Concert Band Conductor Score

Arranger Patrick Roszell has captured the funk, swagger, and infectious energy that makes these three hits so appealing to student musicians and audiences alike. The stylistic variety within a single concert piece keeps rehearsals engaging while giving students exposure to distinct contemporary idioms. This is the kind of programming choice that generates genuine excitement in the ensemble room and reminds students why they love playing music.

Funkiness and energy pulse through these arrangements. "24K Magic" lands with syncopated swagger and glittering groove; "That's What I Like" brings hip-hop attitude with crisp rhythmic interplay; "Treasure" sparkles with disco strings and irresistible forward momentum. Altogether, the piece captures Mars's gift for making people want to move.

This score is designed for concert bands at the Grade 3.5 level with the musicianship and reading skills to handle contemporary styles and rhythmic precision. Directors programming popular music want an arrangement that respects the original while remaining within reach of developing ensembles. It works equally well in traditional concert settings and pops concerts where contemporary repertoire strengthens audience connection.

• Lock the groove section (drums, bass, and rhythm guitar) first. These three arrangements depend entirely on a locked, confident pulse. Spend rehearsal time getting the pocket right before layering solos and the rest of the band.
• Emphasize the articulation markings in the horn sections. The funk and disco styles here live or die by clean, unified tonguing. Crisp attacks make the difference between sloppy and sharp.
• Balance the introductory solo so it speaks clearly without drowning the ensemble. The featured player should feel supported by the band, not buried by it.
• Use the tempo changes between movements as rehearsal checkpoints. Each style has its own character; nailing the transition points ensures the piece flows as one cohesive medley rather than three separate pieces.

Program this as the closing piece of a spring pops concert or as a centerpiece of a contemporary music showcase. It pairs well alongside other arranged hits from the Pop Concert Band series or contemporary original works at similar difficulty levels. The three-movement structure also works as a standalone concert opener that sets an energetic, engaging tone for the rest of your program.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and performance in funk and hip-hop idioms
• Precision ensemble articulation (tonguing, attacks) in contemporary styles
• Groove awareness and pocket playing across varied tempos and feels
• Style-specific interpretation (funk vs. hip-hop vs. disco characteristics)
• Balancing solo voices within full ensemble texture