Forget You Sheet Music Preview

Forget You: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By Thomas Callaway / By Bruno Mars / By Ari Levine / By Philip Lawrence / By Brody Brown / As performed by Cee Lo Green / Arranged by John Berry

Grade: 1.5

Item: 35-PK00235768

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Description
Recorded by Cee Lo Green but also featured on the TV show "Glee" (sung by Gwyneth Paltrow), this infectious tune is written in a style reminiscent of '60s Motown. John Berry's arrangement is solidly scored for beginning bands and requires no solos.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00235768

More about this title

About the Composer: Thomas Callaway

Thomas Callaway, known professionally as Cee Lo Green, is a singer, songwriter, and producer who emerged from the hip-hop and R&B scenes in the early 2000s. His 2010 hit 'Forget You' became a cultural phenomenon, appreciated across multiple genres and age groups for its infectious melody and relatable lyrics. Callaway's work as a composer bridges contemporary pop songwriting with influences from soul and classic music traditions.

Why we love this

John Berry's arrangement captures the irresistible charm of this tune while keeping the ensemble writing accessible for newer players. The piece draws from classic Motown sensibilities, giving students a taste of that rich melodic and rhythmic tradition without overwhelming them technically. It's the kind of selection that energizes rehearsal and brings genuine joy to both performers and audiences.

What to expect

Bright, buoyant, and immediately recognizable. The arrangement wraps a modern pop sensibility around a retro Motown framework, creating something nostalgic yet current. Students instantly feel the groove and understand why this song resonated with so many listeners.

Who it's for

Beginning jazz ensembles and traditional bands exploring the jazz idiom for the first time. The Grade 1.5 level makes it appropriate for middle school ensembles or high school groups still building foundational ensemble skills. No solos mean every student contributes to the full sound without adding performance anxiety.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock in the rhythmic pocket early. This tune lives on steady groove; spend rehearsal time grooving together before polishing individual parts.
  • Balance the melody across sections rather than letting it sit entirely with one voice. The Motown feel benefits from a warm, blended approach to the main theme.
  • Keep articulation crisp and even, especially in the rhythm section. Clarity supports the infectious quality of the tune.
  • Lean into the playful character. This arrangement invites a lighter touch than many contemporary pieces students encounter.

How to use it

Place this early in a jazz or pop-influenced concert for immediate audience engagement and high student morale. It pairs naturally with other accessible funk or soul-inflected pieces if you're building a themed set. Consider programming it alongside standards from the Motown catalog to highlight the historical lineage of the melodic and rhythmic ideas.

Skills your students will build

  • Funk and groove sensibilities applied to written ensemble parts
  • Motown-influenced phrasing and articulation
  • Maintaining steady rhythmic placement in syncopated contexts
  • Blend and balance in ensemble settings without featured soloists
  • Reading jazz chord changes and harmonic progressions

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