Havana (arr. Larry Moore)

Larry Moore's arrangement captures the magnetic energy that made this track a global hit while remaining genuinely playable for student ensembles. The Latin percussion framework stays intact, giving students authentic exposure to clave-based grooves and contemporary pop sonorities without oversimplifying the original's sophisticated production.

Bright, rhythmically propulsive, and effortlessly cool. The Latin heartbeat drives everything forward while the pop sensibility keeps the arrangement accessible and engaging. There's an ease to the phrasing that rewards performers who commit to the pocket.

Student performers and younger audiences respond immediately to this arrangement because it honors the original's appeal. It works for jazz bands, pop ensembles, and mixed groups looking to program contemporary music that's both fun and musically substantive.

• Establish the clave pattern early in rehearsal as your rhythmic anchor; every section needs to lock into it, not around it
• Balance the lead vocal line with energy that suggests the original's conversational intimacy rather than belting it out
• Pay attention to the arrangement's syncopated hits and punctuations in the rhythm section; they define the groove

Pair this with other contemporary Latin-influenced pop arrangements to create a cohesive set that demonstrates how these rhythmic traditions continue to shape modern music. It works equally well as a concert opener that captures audience attention or as part of a pops showcase celebrating students' connection to current music.

• Playing with clave-based rhythmic clarity and precision
• Balancing contemporary pop phrasing against written notation
• Layering syncopated rhythms while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Understanding Latin percussion fundamentals and their role in modern production