Recorded by Bruno Mars and topping the charts in 2017, this mega-hit features a catchy melody and pulsating groove. Ishbah's funky arrangement passes the melody around to different sections of the band, with the percussion adding just the right sizzle.
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Bruno Mars emerged as one of the defining pop artists of the 2010s, blending soul, funk, and R&B influences into radio-friendly productions that dominated global charts. His meticulous approach to songwriting and arrangement makes his work particularly valuable for music education, where his tracks offer accessible yet sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic material.
Why we love this
Ishbah Cox's arrangement captures the infectious energy that made this song a juggernaut while distributing melodic material strategically across your sections, ensuring everyone gets a moment in the spotlight. The Grade 3 voicing strikes a sweet spot: funky enough to engage students without oversimplifying the source material. Audiences recognize it instantly, which means your band earns immediate connection with the crowd.
What to expect
The arrangement radiates contemporary cool with a sly, laid-back confidence. Funk undertones pulse beneath clean melodic lines, creating a vibe that feels modern and polished while remaining loose enough to groove naturally.
Who it's for
Marching bands seeking contemporary repertoire that entertains both performers and audiences without sacrificing musicality. This works equally well for groups developing funk and rock vocabulary or for programs looking to build audience engagement with recognizable hits.
How to get the most out of it
Lock the groove pocket early in rehearsals by having the percussion and low brass establish the foundational rhythm together before layers get added.
Create clarity in the melodic handoffs by rehearsing section transitions in isolation first, then gradually bringing sections in as accompaniment.
Resist the urge to rush the tempo; this arrangement lives in its relaxed pocket rather than driving hard, so maintain steady feel even when energy peaks.
Use the recorded accompaniment to help students internalize the original groove, then gradually reduce dependence on it as sections gain confidence.
How to use it
Place this mid-show to shift energy and showcase your band's ability to execute pop repertoire with style. It pairs well alongside other contemporary hits in a full program, or stands alone as a crowd-pleasing closer that leaves audiences buzzing.
Skills your students will build
Executing syncopated rhythms in funk contexts
Passing melody cleanly between instrumental families
Maintaining consistent groove and feel over multiple repetitions
Balancing rhythmic precision with musical relaxation
Articulating rhythmic clarity in contemporary pop arrangements
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