Grenade: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures the emotional core of "Grenade" while building genuine ensemble engagement from the opening clarinet section through the full band texture. The Grade 2 difficulty makes this a realistic choice for mid-level bands seeking repertoire that sounds polished and contemporary without sacrificing musicianship. Programming a Bruno Mars ballad alongside classical standards signals to students and audiences that concert band literature includes the songs people actually know and love.

The piece opens with restraint and introspection, allowing clarinets to establish the ballad's vulnerable character. As trumpets and the ensemble join, energy builds into a driving, almost anthemic quality while retaining the emotional sincerity of the original composition.

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level will find this arrangement accessible without feeling simplified. It works equally well for high school bands seeking contemporary repertoire and middle school ensembles ready to tackle a recognizable song with genuine musical depth.

• Balance the opening clarinet introduction with light articulation; this moment sets the ballad's introspective tone before the trumpets enter with the main melody.
• Shape the "easy driving pulse" by maintaining consistent quarter-note subdivision in the rhythm section; clarity here prevents the arrangement from dragging despite its emotional character.
• Let the full ensemble swell gradually as more voices enter, rather than pushing dynamics at once; the arrangement builds its own momentum when sections layer in sequentially.
• Breathe with your players during the sustained passages; this pop ballad benefits from phrasing that mirrors vocal singing, not strict metronomic precision.

Position this as a concert closer or as a bridge between classical and film music selections; audiences respond immediately to recognizable melodies, and "Grenade" gives your band credibility with listeners who might not attend traditional concert band programs. The two-minute duration fits well into mixed-genre concerts or as a standalone feature that demonstrates how contemporary songwriting translates to ensemble performance.

• Balancing exposed and background melodic lines within pop-influenced textures
• Shaping sustained passages with control and intentional phrase direction
• Interpreting contemporary ballad style on concert instruments
• Layering sectional entrances to create cumulative dynamic impact