That's What I Like: Concert Band Conductor Score

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious groove and modern production sensibility of the original without losing sight of what makes this song work: a melody that sticks with you and harmonic movement that feels both contemporary and accessible. For middle and junior high bands, it strikes that rare balance between repertoire that students actually want to play and writing that doesn't demand virtuosic technique to sound polished.

Upbeat and approachable, with the kind of melodic hook that stays in your head long after the final note. The arrangement delivers the modern pop sound students recognize while remaining playable for developing musicians without excessive technical demands.

Concert bands at the middle school, junior high, and early high school level looking for contemporary repertoire that connects with students. Directors seeking a straightforward pop arrangement that doesn't require extensive rehearsal time to sound confident and polished.

• Lock the rhythmic feel early. The syncopated figures in the rhythm section define the chart; spend rehearsal time on precision and pocket rather than speed.
• Balance the melody across your sections. This arrangement likely distributes the hook across multiple voices, so listen for balance in those expositions rather than letting any single section dominate.
• Lean into the contemporary style without losing musical shape. These pop arrangements thrive when phrases breathe naturally despite the steady groove underneath.

Program this as a standalone concert feature or as part of a pop-focused concert set to round out a season of traditional concert band literature. It works particularly well as an opening or closing piece where energy and audience engagement matter; the familiar tune and celebratory mood create immediate connection with listeners.

• Reading and maintaining contemporary rhythmic grooves (syncopation against steady pulse)
• Ensemble balance and blend in modern pop voicing
• Musical phrasing at a moderate tempo without relying on technical difficulty
• Tuning and intonation within non-traditional harmonic contexts