Gold Medal March: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Paul Murtha
Grade: 1
Item: 35-PK00306611
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Description
In this piece for second-year players, Paul Murtha masterfully adapts the traditional military march form for young musicians. The first strain is carried by trumpets and upper woodwinds, while the low brass take the lead on the second strain. After a brief percussion break, the legato trio melody features the woodwind section. A "call and response" breakstrain is followed by the full band on the rousing finish. Keep the march alive with this marvelous piece! Dur: 2:50
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00306611
More about this title
About the Composer: Paul Murtha
Paul Murtha has spent decades writing music that respects young musicians' capabilities while refusing to condescend. His arrangements and original works for concert band reflect a deep understanding of how students learn ensemble skills, balancing technical challenge with genuine musicality. Murtha's prolific output across grade levels makes him a fixture in school band rooms across the country.
Why we love this
Murtha nails the second-year sweet spot by revitalizing the march form instead of retreading tired ground. The sectional spotlight structure keeps every voice engaged and accountable, while the call-and-response breakstrain injects conversational energy that young players find both fun and musically purposeful.
What to expect
Bright, organized, and purposeful. The march tradition brings inherent gravitas, but Murtha's handling keeps it playful and youthful. Every strain announces itself clearly, and the legato trio offers a moment of genuine singing before the energy returns for a satisfying conclusion.
Who it's for
Second-year concert band students who are ready to tackle traditional forms with real musical independence. This works equally well for festival programming or concert showcasing when you need a piece that sounds polished without requiring another year of maturation.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the character shift between strains. Have the trumpet/upper woodwind section play the first strain with crisp articulation, then coach the low brass on a warmer, more grounded approach when they take the melody.
- Shape the legato trio as a lyrical contrast. This is where students practice sustained tone production and sensitive dynamics after the march's rhythmic demands.
- Keep the breakstrain dialogue crisp and clear. Isolate the call and response parts in sectionals so students lock onto the exchange without muddying it with over-blending.
- Drive the final section with forward momentum. The rousing finish needs confidence, not frenzy; anchor it on a steady pulse from percussion while dynamics build organically.
How to use it
Open a concert with this to set a confident, energetic tone, or place it mid-program as a palate cleanser between heavier works. Its accessibility makes it ideal for festival seasons when you want something both fresh and reliable in your rotation.
Skills your students will build
- Sectional melody responsibility and balance (identifying who carries the tune in each strain)
- Dynamic contrast between march rhythms and legato singing
- Call-and-response rhythmic precision and clarity
- Ensemble articulation consistency across contrasting musical sections