Problem Sheet Music Preview

Problem: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

As Recorded by Ariana Grande Featuring Iggy Azalea

Words and music by Ilya, Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Amethyst Ameila Kelly, and Savan Kotecha / arr. Nick Baratta

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-PK-0006729

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Description
Singer Ariana Grande's catchy dance-pop hit took the charts by storm in 2014. This big and bold Nick Baratta arrangement will be a lot of fun for every section of your band! (1:35)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Problem: Marching 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: Mega Sounds for Marching Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 110
SKU: 00-PK-0006729

More about this title

About the Composer: Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande emerged as one of the defining pop voices of the 2010s, known for her four-octave vocal range and her ability to craft infectious, radio-friendly hits. Her songwriting and vocal performances have made her a cultural force in contemporary pop music, influencing how young musicians understand modern song structure and production.

Why we love this

Nick Baratta's arrangement captures everything that made the original a chart dominator while giving your entire band a genuine moment to shine. The Grade 3 voicing means every section gets melodic and rhythmic responsibility, keeping rehearsals energetic and students invested in the result.

What to expect

Bright, propulsive, and undeniably fun. The arrangement balances pop sensibility with solid harmonic writing, delivering moments of swagger and hook-driven melody that resonate with students and spectators alike.

Who it's for

Marching band programs seeking contemporary repertoire that engages both audience and performers. This works equally well for a show focused on modern hits or as a finale that leaves crowds energized and students smiling.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the hi-hat and snare articulation early in sectionals. The groove lives in the precision of the rhythm section, not the volume.
  • Emphasize the call-and-response sections between woodwinds and brass. These moments drive the song's infectious character and require clean, confident handoffs.
  • Balance the melodic line so it sings above the harmonic foundation. Many arrangers hide the hook, but this one gives it prominence.
  • Approach the tempo as a locked dance groove rather than a march. The recording reference (1:35) is your timing guide; use it in sectionals and full rehearsals.

How to use it

Pair this with other contemporary pop arrangements or use it as your show closer for maximum impact. The style and energy complement modern choreography beautifully, and the Grade 3 difficulty ensures it remains accessible regardless of your ensemble's standard repertoire level.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining groove and pocket in a pop idiom
  • Balancing melodic line against rhythmic accompaniment
  • Executing clean sectional handoffs and call-and-response
  • Reading and performing syncopated rhythms in a non-march style

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