Shape of You: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Matt Conaway's arrangement respects what makes this song compelling: the driving rhythmic skeleton and the melody that lodges itself in memory. The percussion writing moves beyond timekeeping to become a featured voice, which gives your section something genuinely engaging to do rather than simply filling the texture. At Grade 3, it stays in reach without sacrificing any of the song's infectious forward momentum.

Propulsive and modern, with a rhythmic groove that sits somewhere between pop radio production and concert band instrumentation. The melody is instantly singable and feels both confident and approachable, supported by a rhythm section that drives the piece forward with infectious energy.

Concert bands working at the intermediate level who want to program contemporary repertoire that resonates with student musicians and audiences alike. This works especially well for directors seeking to bridge the gap between traditional concert fare and music that reflects students' listening habits.

• Lock the pulse in rehearsal by having the percussion section establish the rhythmic foundation first, then layer the harmonic voices around it. The groove needs to feel effortless and natural.
• Balance the melodic line across your first clarinets and alto saxophones early on. Both voices should be heard equally, and neither should overshadow the other.
• Keep the energy consistent across the full 2:30 duration. This type of piece can sag in the middle if players lose focus on the underlying pulse.
• Bring out textural shifts between sections. The arrangement likely contrasts dense moments with lighter passages, so highlight those transitions to maintain listener interest.

Slot this into a concert devoted to contemporary pop arrangements, or use it as a standalone opener that captures immediate attention. It also serves well as the lighter closing piece on a program that otherwise leans toward classical or traditional wind band repertoire, sending audiences out with a song they know and love.

• Maintaining rhythmic precision in syncopated figures
• Balancing melody and accompaniment across multiple voices
• Coordinating with the percussion section to support harmonic and rhythmic intent
• Sustaining energy and forward momentum in shorter concert forms
• Playing contemporary popular music with musical integrity