Misery Sheet Music Preview

Misery: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

As performed by Maroon 5

Words and music by Sam Farrar, Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Michael Madden, and James Valentine / arr. Reid Thomas

Grade: 2 (Easy)

Item: 00-PK-0004585

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Description
"Misery" was the first single off American rock band Maroon 5's third studio album, Hands All Over. The song charted the No. 1 position on the Billboard Adult Pop Songs in 2010. This infectious groove is sure to entertain both your students and audience!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Misery: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Hot Pop Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 124
SKU: 00-PK-0004585

More about this title

About the Composer: Sam Farrar

Sam Farrar is the drummer and a founding member of Maroon 5, the Los Angeles-based pop rock band that emerged in the early 2000s. His work with the group has shaped the sound of contemporary pop music, blending rock instrumentation with infectious grooves and pop sensibility. Farrar's contributions to songs like "Misery" demonstrate his ability to craft rhythmically engaging arrangements that work across genres and audiences.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the infectious energy that made "Misery" a chart-topper while staying accessible for Grade 2 ensembles. The groovy rhythm and memorable melodic hooks give students something they recognize and want to play, which translates to genuine engagement in rehearsal and genuine enthusiasm at concert time.

What to expect

Upbeat and modern, with a groove that sits somewhere between rock and pop. The piece has an infectious energy that feels fresh in a concert band setting, anchored by a strong rhythm section and bright melodic writing that keeps things moving forward.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level looking for contemporary repertoire that connects with students. Directors seeking a crowd-pleasing piece that's technically accessible but still musically satisfying.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythm section (bass, drums, percussion) early in rehearsals. The groove is the engine of this arrangement, so get that pocket locked before layering in the rest of the band.
  • Balance the melody across your saxophones and clarinets rather than letting any single voice dominate. The pop style relies on blend, not soloistic playing.
  • Keep the tempo steady and slightly forward. This song lives in the pocket, and rushing or dragging will kill the groove instantly.
  • Emphasize the syncopated rhythms in the background parts. Those off-beat figures give the piece its modern character and keep it from sounding stiff.

How to use it

Program this as an opener or closer to give your concert a contemporary feel and inject some pop energy into your setlist. It pairs well alongside other accessible pop arrangements or between traditional concert band classics, offering variety and keeping your audience engaged.

Skills your students will build

  • Rhythmic precision in syncopated patterns and off-beat figures
  • Blending and balancing within sections to support a groove-based arrangement
  • Reading and executing modern pop/rock stylistic conventions
  • Tempo control and awareness of pocket playing

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