Heathens: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Victor López's arrangement captures the propulsive energy and hook-driven structure of the original while distributing melodic material across your entire band. At Grade 2, it remains accessible without sacrificing the contemporary sound that will genuinely excite your students and audience members who know the song.

Driving and modern, with the propulsive beat and energetic melody that made the original a radio staple. The band sound is fuller and more orchestral than the studio recording, but retains the song's infectious momentum and the edgy alternative rock character that audiences recognize immediately.

Band directors seeking contemporary repertoire that connects with students and general audiences alike. This arrangement works for Grade 2 ensembles that have solid intonation and can manage rhythmic independence within a busier texture.

• Balance the layered parts carefully so the primary melody cuts through without overwhelming the harmonic support; the arrangement's strength lies in its vertical density, not in any single voice dominating.
• Lock the tempo from the very first entrance; this piece thrives on rhythmic precision and forward momentum.
• Shape the dynamic contours across full phrases rather than hitting every marked accent equally; allow the arrangement's arc to breathe and build toward climactic moments.

Program this at a recruiting concert or winter holiday concert where you want to demonstrate that band repertoire includes current music your students actually want to play. The 2-minute runtime and accessible Grade 2 level make it an ideal opener or closer alongside traditional or classical pieces to show the range of your ensemble's musicality.

• Balancing independent melodic lines within a complex texture
• Maintaining steady tempo through syncopated rhythmic figures
• Shaping musical phrases across changing dynamics and orchestration
• Reading and performing contemporary popular music arrangements