The Eagles made this a #1 hit back in 1979, and it still resonates decades later! Arranged here in a medium shuffle groove, this chart really churns from beginning to end.
Discover MakeMusic Cloud: thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
The Eagles emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in the early 1970s and became one of the most commercially successful rock bands of their era. Their meticulous approach to harmony, arrangement, and production set a standard that influenced generations of musicians and composers. Their catalog remains a staple in music education because these songs combine accessibility with genuine musical craftsmanship.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original while tailoring it perfectly for marching band instrumentation. The medium shuffle groove keeps the piece moving without demanding the technical fireworks that can overwhelm Grade 3-4 ensembles. Your students will be playing a song that genuinely matters to audiences, which changes everything about rehearsal motivation.
What to expect
The arrangement channels the original's propulsive groove and rock attitude into a format that marching bands can own. It churns forward with momentum and forward drive, maintaining that shuffle feel that made the song infectious on the radio.
Who it's for
This is ideal for marching bands at the 3-4 grade level who want repertoire that engages audiences without requiring advanced technical demands. It works particularly well for groups building confidence with popular music and looking for something with real energy that still feels achievable.
How to get the most out of it
Nail the shuffle subdivision in rehearsal before adding the parts. Have the section leaders count 'shuffle, shuffle, shuffle' during the first few run-throughs so the rhythmic feel locks in uniformly.
Keep the dynamics conversational rather than dramatic. This song works best when it feels like a conversation building in intensity, not a wall of sound from m. 1.
Balance the melody line across woodwinds and brass so no single section dominates the main hook. The arrangement relies on blend as much as clarity.
How to use it
This is a natural fit for spring or fall concerts where you want contemporary music that connects with families and supporters. It also works well as a confidence builder mid-season since the accessibility of the material lets your band focus on ensemble balance and style rather than technical survival.
Skills your students will build
Shuffle rhythm and swing articulation in rock/pop style
Maintaining groove consistency across multiple repeated sections
Balancing melody and harmony in a multi-part rock arrangement
Listening for and responding to sectional cues in contemporary music
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
