Top 40 Hits for Young Band Wednesday, April 02, 2014
One Direction
Spring concerts usually feature lighter concert pieces, music from movies and shows, and students always want to play something they know from the radio. Teachers often like to reward students for working on the year’s concert music, and it also helps with enthusiasm and retention, so there is nothing wrong with choosing 1 or 2 Top 40 titles for your program. At the grade 1-2 difficulty level there are new arrangements of hits from One Direction, Anna Kendrick from the movie Pitch Perfect, Pink, fun., and the ever popular (and really solid), Katy Perry.
Best Song Ever – One Direction
arr. Michael Story
Belwin Beginning Band – Grade 1
This catchy hit from popular band One Direction features an upbeat rock groove, and is written for students in their first or second year of band.
Cups (When I’m Gone) – Anna Kendrick
arr. Johnnie Vinson
Discovery Plus – Grade 2
The critically acclaimed movie Pitch Perfect about a college a capella group featured this upbeat hit recorded by Anna Kendrick. The clever “cups” routine performed with a cup and table tapping has inspired numerous versions on social media. This arrangement for young players allows you to feature the percussion section, or be adventurous and have someone actually doing the “cups” routine out in front of the band!
Just Give Me a Reason – Pink
arr. Patrick Roszell
Belwin Young Band – Grade 2
The mega pop hit by Pink and Nate Ruess, lead singer of fun., comes to your developing concert band with every section getting a chance to shine on the melody.
Roar – Katy Perry
arr. Michael Story
Belwin Young Band – Grade 2
This mid-tempo “power-pop” chart is the first single released on Katy Perry’s 2013 studio album, Prism, and is set in a pop-rock style. Acclaimed as her most successful single to date, even beyond her chart-topping single “Firework,” the uplifting lyrics are certain to bring that same high energy to your developing band performance.
Roar – Katy Perry
arr. Michael Brown
Discovery Plus – Grade 2
With a moderate yet powerful rock pulse and signature strong melodies, this Katy Perry hit adapts easily to a setting for young bands.
Some Nights – fun.
arr. Patrick Roszell
Belwin Beginning Band – Grade 1
The infectious title track by fun. features basic, teachable syncopations, and is sure to be a hit with your students!