Another top 10 hit from top recording artist The Weeknd is presented here in a terrific arrangement from Brian Scott. With its strong melodic content and driving rhythms, Take My Breath is the perfect marching or pep band chart! (1:49)
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Ahmad Balshe is a Swedish-Moroccan producer and songwriter who has shaped the sound of contemporary pop and R&B over the past two decades. His work across genres, from hip-hop to electronic music, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of rhythm, groove, and melodic architecture that translates powerfully to ensemble contexts.
Why we love this
Brian Scott's arrangement captures the infectious groove and melodic drive of the original without sacrificing clarity for a marching ensemble. The chart balances accessibility with enough rhythmic sophistication to keep your band engaged, and it programs naturally alongside both contemporary pop and energetic classical fare.
What to expect
Sharp, modern, and propulsive. The arrangement channels the original's funk-inflected pop sensibility into something that moves; expect crisp rhythmic figures, a memorable melodic hook, and the kind of groove that translates instantly to an outdoor ensemble.
Who it's for
Marching and pep bands at the Grade 3 level looking for contemporary repertoire that engages students with recognizable material. This chart works equally well for programs seeking strategic crowd appeal at competitions, stadium events, or halftime shows.
How to get the most out of it
Nail the rhythmic precision in the driving sections; this chart lives or dies on locked ensemble timekeeping and consistent articulation across all voices.
Shape the melody with dynamic contrast between verses and the hook to maintain listener interest across the 1:49 duration.
Let the bass line groove sit comfortably; avoid pushing tempo, especially in the syncopated passages where clarity matters more than speed.
How to use it
Program this early in the season when you want to build momentum and enthusiasm around contemporary music. It pairs well in a concert slot designed to balance traditional marching band fare with current hits, or use it strategically in a pep band rotation to energize halftime performances.
Skills your students will build
Precision in syncopated rhythmic figures across mixed meter sections
Maintaining groove-based ensemble cohesion in funk-pop idioms
Dynamic control and phrasing in modern popular music contexts
Lock-step articulation consistency across the full ensemble
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