Here's the worldwide hit by OMI, kicked up a notch by Pentatonix' fine arrangement. The cool Jamaican groove makes a perfect closer, or you cut to the essential 30 seconds for a timeout salute. The Pentatonix video was shot in Jay's old high school gym!
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Omi is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist who achieved global recognition with "Cheerleader," a track that seamlessly blended reggae rhythms with pop sensibility. The song's infectious groove and positive energy made it a streaming phenomenon, introducing audiences worldwide to the warmth and infectious character of contemporary Caribbean music.
Why we love this
Jay Dawson's arrangement respects the original's irresistible Jamaican groove while translating it brilliantly for marching band instrumentation. The flexibility to use either the full arrangement or a punchy 30-second version means you can program it as a closer that commands attention or deploy it strategically for timeout entertainment, giving your show programming real options.
What to expect
Warm, buoyant, and deeply groovy. The Jamaican lilt gives the piece character that feels fresh compared to typical pop arrangements, while the Pentatonix treatment ensures the voicing and melodic content are sophisticated enough to hold musicians' attention through rehearsal.
Who it's for
Grade 3 marching bands that want contemporary repertoire with genuine entertainment value and strong crowd appeal. This works equally well for programs seeking a guaranteed audience favorite or for directors who value arrangements that respect the original while fitting the ensemble's instrumentation.
How to get the most out of it
Lock the rhythm section into a relaxed, pocket-oriented feel. The groove lives in restraint, not in pushing the tempo forward.
Balance the melodic lines so they sit comfortably over the groove rather than competing with it; this arrangement shines when every section understands it's part of a cohesive rhythmic fabric.
If using the abbreviated version, rehearse the clean entrance and exit separately so the transition feels intentional rather than like a cut.
How to use it
Position this as your closing number when you want to send the crowd home smiling; the infectious positivity and accessible melody make it an audience favorite. Alternatively, the abbreviated 30-second version gives you a sharp, high-energy option for halftime entertainment or timeout moments without disrupting your show's flow.
Skills your students will build
Maintaining rhythmic pocket and swing feel in popular music contexts
Balancing independence within ensemble grooves
Translating arrangement intent from a cappella and pop contexts to band instrumentation
Stylistic flexibility in contemporary and reggae-influenced repertoire
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