California Gurls: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As Recorded by Katy Perry
Words and music by Katy Perry, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, Benny Blanco, and Calvin Broadus / arr. Doug Adams
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0007946
$55.00
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Description
Not to be confused with the Beach Boys classic, this hot chart is the multi-week #1 mega hit by Katy Perry from the summer of 2010. Strong block scoring and lots of unison writing make this chart playable by any band. This one rocks!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, California Gurls: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Easy Pops for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
122
SKU:
00-PK-0007946
More about this title
About the Composer: Katy Perry
Katy Perry emerged as one of the defining pop voices of the 2010s, known for crafting infectious, radio-friendly anthems with bold production and memorable hooks. Her songwriting collaborations with producers like Max Martin and Lukasz Gottwald created some of the decade's most recognizable pop hits, blending accessibility with production sophistication that translates well across genres and ensembles.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the infectious energy and melodic directness of Perry's original without requiring virtuosic technique. The strong block scoring and unison writing mean your students can focus on precision, phrasing, and groove rather than navigating complex divisi, making it an ideal piece for building ensemble cohesion and confidence at the Grade 2 level.
What to expect
Bright, propulsive, and unapologetically fun. The arrangement maintains the summer-day swagger of the original while keeping every voice engaged in either driving the rhythm or supporting the melody, creating an energetic sound that feels effortless on the field.
Who it's for
Grade 2 marching bands looking for contemporary repertoire with immediate appeal and manageable technical demands. This works equally well for groups building fundamentals or those seeking a crowd-pleasing closer that doesn't require advanced instrumental proficiency.
How to get the most out of it
- Nail the rhythmic precision in the unison passages. These moments define the song's groove, so lock your section leaders on the exact click point and let that clarity cascade through the band.
- Lean into the pop sensibility of the original recording. Think crisp articulation and controlled dynamics rather than concert band legato; this piece thrives on definition and snap.
- Balance the block scoring so no single voice disappears. With strong unison writing, every part that carries a line matters; make sure the altos, tenors, and basses are heard equally in their moments.
- Use the original recording as a rehearsal reference to nail the rhythmic feel and energy. Your students will respond to hearing what they're building toward.
How to use it
Program this as a closer or opener to a marching show focused on contemporary pop hits. It pairs naturally with other Grade 2 pop titles and gives your band a recognizable, high-energy moment that connects with audiences and keeps your students' enthusiasm high during rehearsal.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble rhythmic precision and locking in unison passages
- Pop articulation and phrasing distinct from concert band style
- Sustaining musical energy across an extended form
- Balancing block scoring so all voices project equally
- Reading and performing marching band parts with field awareness