Havana: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Johnnie Vinson's arrangement honors the original's infectious groove while distributing the melodic material across your entire band. Every section gets a moment in the spotlight, which keeps rehearsals engaging and gives students clear ownership of the piece rather than having them serve as accompaniment to soloists.

Warm, propulsive, and rhythmically alive. The arrangement captures the original's sultry groove and steamy character while making it playable for younger ensembles. You'll feel the dance floor energy without any loss of musical substance.

Concert bands at the Grade 1 to 1.5 level looking for contemporary repertoire that excites students without compromising musicianship. This works equally well for groups seeking accessible Latin-influenced material or for any director wanting to program a hit that audiences recognize.

• Lock the basic clave rhythm in your rhythm section before adding harmonic layers. Once your drummers and low brass lock that foundational pulse, the melody lines sit naturally on top.
• Treat the percussion section as equal protagonists. This arrangement leans into Latin percussion textures, so invest rehearsal time helping those players voice their parts with intention and clarity.
• Shape the melody phrasing around the original's vocal inflections. Listen to Cabello's recording to hear where she breathes and bends pitches; your wind players will connect more authentically to the tune when they replicate that approach.
• Keep the tempo energized but grounded. The arrangement's accessibility at Grade 1.5 can tempt conductors to rush it. Steady the pulse and let the Latin feel breathe.

Pair this with your concert band's spring or end-of-year concert to remind your audience that contemporary music belongs in concert halls. The accessible level means you can program it confidently without sacrificing other substantial repertoire, and its immediate appeal gives your concert an up-to-date edge.

• Reading and performing Latin rhythmic patterns (clave, montuno, guajeo)
• Balancing melody and accompaniment across multiple sections
• Responding to percussion-driven ensemble leadership
• Interpreting contemporary vocal phrasing in instrumental contexts
• Maintaining steady tempo in syncopated contexts