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Modern Rock Hits for Marching Band Friday, June 28, 2013

If you’re looking for another marching band show planning option or some great stands tunes, try some modern rock arrangements.  Featuring big-name bands of the past 2 decades, these tunes have solid hooks and riffs, but with a little more modern edge – quite a contrast to the popularity of 80’s & modern pop arrangements, and re-arrangements of the same old rock songs from the 60’s and 70’s.  For more great show planning ideas, keep reading our blog, and shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

Creep – Radiohead
Creep, by the English alternative rock group Radiohead, gained worldwide attention when first released in 1993.  In recent years it has become relevant as an anti-bullying theme song.  Its reflective melody and tempo emote to make for a moving change of pace within the production of Jay Dawson’s redHOTradioCITY show. Scored for small bands with reduced instrumentation.

50 Ways to Say Goodbye – Train
Recorded by Train, this hit is upbeat party rock with a little mariachi mixed in.  The melody is passed around to different sections for variety with a solid, hard-hitting chorus.

Gold on the Ceiling – The Black Keys
The Black Keys are storming the rock scene. This is one of their signature tunes in a driving rock shuffle style. With a very catchy riff and memorable chorus, it will quickly become a stands favorite.

The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
This hard-driving rocker from the band Jimmy Eat World really shines in the hands of veteran arranger Doug Adams.  Lots of unison writing and a short drum break make this a perfect tune for the stands and pep band!

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