Afro Blue: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Mongo Santamaria / As performed by John Coltrane / Arranged by Paul Murtha / Arranged by Will Rapp
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00232159
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Afro Blue - Full Score | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Flute/Piccolo | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Bb Clarinet | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Eb Alto Sax | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Bb Tenor Sax | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Eb Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - 1st Bb Trumpet | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - 2nd Bb Trumpet | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Bb Horn/Flugelhorn | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Trombone | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Baritone B.C. (Opt. Tbn. 2) | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Baritone T.C. | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Tuba | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Electric Bass | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Bells | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Xylophone | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Snare Drum | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Cymbals | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Quad Toms | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Multiple Bass Drums | $6.00 | |
| Afro Blue - Aux Percussion | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Although popular with jazz players (notably John Coltrane) this classic tune is treated here in an Afro Cuban jazz style. The percussion play an integral and featured role as the melody is passed around and punctuated with full ensemble hits. Distinctive and effective!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00232159
More about this title
About the Composer: Mongo Santamaria
Mongo Santamaria (1922-2003) was a Cuban percussionist and bandleader who became one of the architects of Latin jazz in America. A master of the timbales and conga, Santamaria brought authentic Afro-Cuban rhythms into the jazz mainstream, recording prolifically and earning respect across both Latin and jazz communities.
Santameria's compositions and arrangements captured the sophisticated interplay between African rhythmic traditions and jazz harmony. His work remains essential listening for any musician seeking to understand how percussion-driven grooves can anchor a band's sound while maintaining harmonic and melodic sophistication.
Why we love this
Arrangers Murtha and Rapp have created something genuinely special here: a piece that lets percussionists shine without relegating them to timekeeping duties. The melody travels through the ensemble while rhythmic figures punctuate and propel the sound forward, giving every section a moment to matter. It's energetic enough to excite an audience and structured clearly enough that Grade 2 and 3 bands can execute it cleanly.
What to expect
Sophisticated and grooving; the kind of piece that makes audiences move without sounding dumbed down. Afro-Cuban percussion traditions give it roots and authenticity, while the jazz harmony and passing melody create forward momentum and interest. There's joy in the syncopation and clarity in the construction.
Who it's for
Bands at the Grade 2-3 level who are ready to explore Latin jazz idioms and want to engage percussionists in meaningful musical roles. Directors seeking accessible repertoire that doesn't talk down to students while still remaining within reach for developing ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the featured percussion figures against the melodic voices; these players aren't accompaniment but conversational partners in the arrangement
- Establish the Afro-Cuban feel in the rhythm section first (especially clave and tumbao patterns) before layering melody on top
- Keep the full ensemble hits crisp and synchronized; these moments punctuate the groove and require precise ensemble discipline
- Allow recorded accompaniment playback to anchor the band while sections learn their parts separately, then gradually move toward live rhythm section control
How to use it
Pair this with other Latin or contemporary jazz selections to create a concert segment that demonstrates ensemble versatility and rhythmic precision. The accessibility and energy make it an excellent choice for mid-season programs when students have developed enough technical foundation to handle syncopated figures. It also works as a festival selection or a piece that bridges classical and popular music interests in your audience.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing Afro-Cuban rhythmic figures and clave patterns
- Balancing melody against syncopated accompaniment figures
- Listening to and locking with a groove rather than strictly metronomic timing
- Cross-section coordination when passing melodic material
- Ensemble synchronization on accented hits and punctuation