Runaway Baby: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Bruno Mars / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00247169
Digital Download
$70.00
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Description
Featuring a tuneful melody, a well-constructed form, and an energetic pulse, this Bruno Mars hit adapts quite well for band in this entertaining and dynamic arrangement from Paul Murtha. Dur: 2:00
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Bruno Mars emerged in the early 2010s as a pop virtuoso with an ear for infectious grooves and meticulous production. His music draws from funk, soul, and rock traditions while maintaining contemporary pop sensibilities, making his work particularly valuable for educators seeking repertoire that resonates with student musicians.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without losing the song's structural integrity or harmonic sophistication. The Grade 3 voicing stays accessible while preserving the funk-inflected rhythmic drive that makes this tune so satisfying to perform, giving your band a piece that sounds both current and genuinely musical.
What to expect
Propulsive and funky, with a melodic hook that sticks immediately. The arrangement pulses with rhythmic momentum and maintains the playful swagger of the original while settling into an idiom that feels natural on concert band instruments.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the intermediate level seeking contemporary repertoire that bridges popular music with solid arranging craft. This works equally well for directors looking to engage students with music they know while building sectional balance and rhythmic precision.
How to get the most out of it
Lock the groove by keeping the hi-hat rhythm section tight and consistent throughout; the syncopated bass line depends on that pulse staying unwavering
Balance the melody across sections so it cuts through the rhythmic foundation without sacrificing the overall blend in the full band sound
Shape the dynamics across the two-minute arc to build energy gradually rather than playing at full volume from the start, letting the arrangement's structure do the work
How to use it
Perfect for pops concerts, community engagement events, or mixed repertoire programs where you want to signal that your band plays music from the world students actually listen to. The two-minute duration makes it ideal for festival appearances or as an opener that energizes the audience.
Skills your students will build
Funk and contemporary pop rhythm articulation
Syncopation and syncopated accompaniment figures
Balancing melody with driving rhythmic accompaniment
Dynamic control across a shorter, energetic form
Section coordination on syncopated grooves
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