I Want It That Way (arr. Michael Brown): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement captures what made the original recording so effective: a memorable melodic line that passes naturally through your sections, giving everyone a moment in the spotlight. Michael Brown's scoring keeps the texture transparent and playable for Grade 2 ensembles while maintaining the emotional arc of the ballad, and your students will bring genuine energy to a song they actually care about.

Warm, earnest, and instantly familiar. The melody unfolds with the kind of directness that makes students lean in, while the moderate tempo and relaxed rock groove give the piece breathing space. There's genuine emotional weight here without requiring technical virtuosity.

Young concert bands that need repertoire their students actually want to play. This works particularly well for Grade 2 ensembles looking to program pop music with substance, or as an approachable ballad for mid-year concerts.

• Balance the melody carefully as it moves between sections. Even when another part has the tune, the accompaniment should recede enough that the line stays clear and singable.
• Shape the phrases with gentle dynamic swells rather than dramatic jumps. This is a ballad, and the relaxed rock tempo needs breathing room.
• Lock in the rhythm section early in rehearsal. A solid foundation from percussion and low brass will steady younger players navigating the accompaniment figures.
• Let the recorded accompaniment do the heavy lifting during sectional rehearsals. It gives players confidence and helps them hear how their part fits within the fuller texture.

Pair this with one more contemporary pop arrangement to show your audience the breadth of your group's repertoire, or program it as a change of pace between more traditional concert band selections. It works beautifully as a spring concert closer, leaving audiences with something they recognize and remember.

• Tracking melodic lines across multiple instruments and sections
• Balancing accompaniment texture to support a featured melody
• Interpreting a relaxed, groove-based tempo
• Playing with stylistic awareness of rock-influenced harmonic progressions
• Managing dynamics with sensitivity in a ballad context