Hit Me with Your Best Shot: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Pat Benatar / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00288796
$65.00
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Description
Recorded by Pat Benatar in 1981, this monster hit remains popular today thanks in part to such diverse covers as "Glee", John Mellencamp, Kelly Clarkson, and the movie "Pitch Perfect". It's one of the best sports and arena tunes of all time!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00288796
More about this title
About the Artist: Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar emerged as one of the defining rock vocalists of the 1980s, known for her powerful contralto voice and dynamic stage presence. Her string of chart-topping hits, including "Love Is a Battlefield" and "Love's a Losing Game," established her as a mainstay of arena rock and pop radio during the decade.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the driving energy and infectious swagger of the original without losing the vocal hook that made this song a radio staple. Grade 3 bands can tackle the syncopated rhythms and punchy articulation patterns while building genuine audience recognition with a tune that spans generations of listeners.
What to expect
Confident and bold, this arrangement radiates the swagger of 1980s arena rock. The syncopated rhythms pulse forward with infectious energy while the melody cuts through with the kind of hook that gets crowds on their feet.
Who it's for
Marching bands looking to balance accessibility with contemporary appeal will find this arrangement perfect for mid-season shows, pep rallies, and competitions where audience engagement matters. It works equally well for groups seeking repertoire that keeps student musicians connected to music beyond classical traditions.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the snare and kick drum into the syncopated groove at the top; this rhythm drives the whole arrangement and requires precision from your percussion section.
- Shape the melodic phrasing in the horns to match the vocal attack of the original recording; clipped note endings will give the piece its characteristic punch.
- Adjust your tempo during the softer middle section to create dynamic contrast, then bring the energy back full force for the final chorus.
- Let your color guard and visual design amplify the attitude in the music; this tune demands confidence in every section.
How to use it
Pair this with other pop or rock selections to create a themed show segment, or slot it into a pep performance where immediate crowd recognition matters. The Grade 3 difficulty level makes it accessible as a lead piece in a program that might include classical works at higher difficulty levels.
Skills your students will build
- Syncopated rhythm reading in a contemporary pop idiom
- Articulation control for bright, punchy attacks
- Maintaining groove against counterrhythms in the percussion section
- Balancing melody and accompaniment textures in a rock-influenced arrangement