by Mark Ronson
First published 2023
The stage lights dim as the school band prepares for their most ambitious performance yet. With Michael Story's arrangement of Dua Lipa's infectious pop anthem from the Barbie movie, young musicians face the challenge of bringing a chart-topping hit to life with traditional instruments. The melody that captivated moviegoers worldwide now demands precision, timing, and energy from student performers who must transform a studio recording into a live concert experience. As rehearsals intensify, each section of the band must master their part of this carefully crafted arrangement, turning individual practice into collective rhythm. The story follows their journey from first reading the sheet music to the final performance, where months of preparation culminate in those crucial moments on stage. At its heart, this is about young artists discovering how pop music and classical training intersect, creating something that bridges the gap between the music they love and the skills they're developing.
Genres: art, contemporary, young-adult, music, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Barbie
Period: 21st-century
999 pages · Paperback · Alfred Music