Dark Horse: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As Recorded by Katy Perry
Words and music by Katy Perry, Max Martin, Lukasz Gottwald, Henry Walter, Sarah Hudson, and Jordan Houston / arr. Victor López
Grade: 2.5 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0006732
$55.00
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Description
Katy Perry had a huge #1 hit with this one in 2014, and now it will be a huge hit with your band! This solid arrangement from veteran writer Victor López captures the unique style and catchy groove of the original. This is certain to be a crowd favorite this fall! (1:55)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Dark Horse: 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:
Mega Sounds for Marching Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
110
SKU:
00-PK-0006732
More about this title
About the Composer: Katy Perry
Katy Perry emerged as a pop powerhouse in the late 2000s with an instinct for crafting infectious hooks and energetic production. Her 2014 album Prism showcased her ability to blend pop sensibility with introspective songwriting, producing multiple chart-topping singles including "Dark Horse." Perry's work across music, entertainment, and performance demonstrates why her songs have become staples in marching arts arrangements.
As a composer working with collaborators like Max Martin and Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald), Perry helped define the sound of contemporary pop music. Her songs prioritize strong melodic lines and rhythmic drive, qualities that translate remarkably well to marching band instrumentation and crowd engagement.
Why we love this
Victor López's arrangement captures what made the original a chart-dominator without sacrificing the strengths of marching band instrumentation. The groove sits perfectly at Grade 2.5, meaning your students get to play something genuinely current and radio-friendly without drowning in complexity. Directors consistently program this piece for its ability to draw crowds while remaining accessible enough for bands building chops early in the season.
What to expect
Sleek, confident, and irresistible. The arrangement pulses with the same modern pop production sensibility as the original while maintaining the visceral excitement of live brass and percussion. It's the kind of piece that makes spectators recognize the song immediately and makes your students feel like they're playing something that matters right now.
Who it's for
Marching bands at the high school and advancing middle school level looking to program contemporary music with mainstream appeal. This works equally well as a season opener to energize the ensemble and audience or as a mid-season confidence builder before tackling more technically demanding charts.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the syncopated rhythmic patterns in the front ensemble and battery before adding melodic voices; the entire arrangement hinges on that groove staying tight.
- Balance the inner voices carrying the melodic line against the rhythmic foundation so the signature hook remains clear from the stands.
- Emphasize articulation precision during transitions between sections to maintain the energy and prevent the arrangement from feeling sluggish.
How to use it
Open a fall concert or competition set with this to establish energy and connection with the audience before shifting to more traditional repertoire. The 1:55 runtime also makes it ideal for smaller venue performances or community events where a punchy, recognizable closer serves your program better than a longer classical work.
Skills your students will build
- Executing syncopated rhythmic patterns across the ensemble
- Balancing melodic interest with rhythmic accompaniment
- Maintaining consistent pulse while executing contemporary pop articulation
- Reading and performing modern notation and arranging conventions