Freedom (arr. Paul Murtha): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Jon Batiste / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK01090699
$50.00
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Description
From the acclaimed album "We Are" by Jon Batiste (Grammy Award for Album of the Year), the New Orleans flavored hit song "Freedom" exudes a sense of joy and optimism. Here is a fun version for jazz ensemble filled with energy and celebration!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01090699
More about this title
About the Artist: Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is a pianist, bandleader, and composer rooted in New Orleans musical traditions who has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz and popular music. His work blends classical training, jazz improvisation, and deep connections to Louisiana's rich cultural heritage, making him a vital figure for students learning how living musicians navigate between genres and maintain artistic integrity.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious optimism of Batiste's original without losing the groove that makes "Freedom" so compelling. The Grade 3 scoring keeps all sections engaged with memorable material, and the New Orleans flavor gives your ensemble a chance to explore jazz language that's rooted in genuine tradition rather than cliché.
What to expect
Joyful and propulsive, with the warmth of New Orleans funk underneath a contemporary pop sensibility. The arrangement carries optimism in every section, yet it never sounds forced; instead, it invites your students into a celebration that feels earned and genuine.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want accessible material with genuine musical substance. This works equally well for high school jazz bands building their footing and middle school ensembles ready to move beyond beginner charts into music that sounds and feels like real jazz.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the ensemble with a locked rhythm section; the piano and bass need to establish the pocket before the horns enter, especially in the head.
- Treat the solo sections as conversations between players, not just individual spotlights. Encourage your soloists to listen to what the rhythm section is doing and respond to it.
- Balance the tutti sections so the brass doesn't overwhelm the reeds. The celebration comes from blend and buoyancy, not volume.
- Pay attention to the articulation markings in the horn sections; they define the character. Tight, synchronized tonguing on the short notes keeps the energy sharp.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary works in a concert that blends genres and shows the continuum between jazz tradition and modern pop. It's an ideal opener for a spring concert or a strong closing piece for a jazz showcase, and its accessibility makes it perfect for recruiting energy and engagement from ensemble members still developing their jazz vocabulary.
Skills your students will build
- Jazz phrasing and articulation conventions in horn sections
- Ensemble listening and responding to the rhythm section
- Improvisation within a structured harmonic framework
- Syncopated rhythmic reading at the intermediate level
- Balancing blend across different instrumental groups in a full ensemble