Crocodile Rock: Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Elton John / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00284709
$65.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Elton John's quirky and upbeat rock hit was first recorded in the early '70s, but it has remained popular ever since. Paul's version for flexible instrumentation skillfully passes the melody around from part to part, giving everyone a chance to have some fun. Dur: 2:40
Crocodile Rock: Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00284709
More about this title
About the Artist: Elton John
Elton John emerged as one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1970s, crafting instantly memorable melodies that bridged pop, rock, and theatrical sensibilities. His gift for hooks and infectious chord progressions made him a fixture on the charts, and his work remains a staple of music education repertoire because it engages students with genuine artistry rather than novelty.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the playful energy of the original while solving a real challenge in flex ensembles: keeping every player engaged. The melody gets passed around generously, so no section feels sidelined, and the Grade 2-3 level keeps technical demands manageable while preserving the song's character and groove.
What to expect
Pure joy with a slight wink. The melody bounces with infectious optimism, and the arrangement lets each section take its turn in the spotlight, creating moments of individual pride within a collective sound. It's the kind of piece that makes students want to play in band.
Who it's for
Bands and orchestras working at Grade 2-3 seeking rock repertoire that feels current and fun without sacrificing musical substance. It's also ideal for mixed or incomplete ensembles since the flexible instrumentation means you're not locked into specific scorings.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the rhythmic pocket early. The shuffle feel (or swing, depending on your interpretation) drives the whole piece, so rehearse with a click before adding the recorded accompaniment.
- Balance the melody trades carefully. When the part switches hands, the new section should enter cleanly without stepping on the previous player's exit. Mark your cues clearly in the parts.
- Keep the articulation consistent across all sections, especially in the rhythmic hits. A unified approach to tonguing or bowing style makes the ensemble sound cohesive even when different instruments are trading lead.
- Let the rhythm section breathe. This piece lives in its groove, so give your bass and drums (or keyboard/guitar foundation) room to establish the feel before crowding the texture with too many layers.
How to use it
This works wonderfully in a pops or film music concert, especially paired with other '70s hits or contemporary rock arrangements. It also makes an excellent section-by-section feature for a concert where you want to showcase ensemble balance and transitions.
Skills your students will build
- Tracking melody exchange across instrumental families
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in shuffle or swing feels
- Ensemble blend and balance during section transitions
- Stylistic interpretation of rock/pop articulation and phrasing