Shake It Off: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

John Berry's arrangement captures what makes this song infectious without overcomplicating it. The sectional trading of melody keeps every section engaged and visible, making it ideal for building ensemble awareness and ownership of the musical line without asking students to navigate complex solo passages.

Pure forward motion with a infectious groove. The arrangement radiates accessibility and joy, letting students feel the satisfaction of playing something recognizable and current without technical barriers getting in the way.

This arrangement works for jazz ensembles building foundational skills and confidence. It's equally valuable for concert bands wanting contemporary material that doesn't require soloists or complex harmonies.

• Keep the rhythmic energy consistent across section trades. When the melody passes from saxes to brass to reeds, maintain the same articulation weight so the line feels continuous rather than fragmented.
• Shape the phrase contour even in this upbeat setting. The tune has natural peaks and valleys; let them breathe rather than playing everything at full intensity.
• Balance the accompaniment voices so they support without drowning out the melody holder. In a Grade 1.5 arrangement, often the section trading IS the textural interest.

Open a concert with this. It signals to the audience immediately that this ensemble plays music students actually know and care about, and it builds momentum before moving into more demanding works. It also works beautifully as a spring or end-of-year celebration piece when you want high engagement and quick learning.

• Trading melodies between sections while maintaining phrasing consistency
• Playing pop and rock rhythms with swing feel
• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
• Reading and executing contemporary musical styles