Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) Sheet Music Preview

Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 35-PK00431563
Price: 60.00 USD
Availability: InStock

As performed by The Black Crowes / As performed by Otis Redding

Grade: 3-4

Item: 35-PK00431563

Digital Download

$60.00

Product	Price	Quantity
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Conductor Score (Full Score)	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Flute/Piccolo	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Bb Clarinet	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Eb Alto Sax	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Bb Tenor Sax	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Eb Baritone Sax	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - 1st Bb Trumpet	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - 2nd Bb Trumpet	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - 3rd Bb Trumpet	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - F Horn	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Bb Horn/Flugelhorn	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - 1st Trombone	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - 2nd Trombone	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Baritone B.C.	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Baritone T.C.	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Tuba	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Electric Bass	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Bells/Xylophone	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Snare Drum	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Cymbals	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Quad Toms	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Multiple Bass Drums	$6.00
Hard to Handle (arr. Paul Murtha) - Aux Percussion	$6.00

Recorded by Otis Redding back in the '60s and later covered by The Black Crowes, this hot tune has become a funk classic! With an energetic drive throughout, brass punches, and a stop time riff, this is sure to get the crowd going.

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Publisher: Hal Leonard

SKU: 35-PK00431563

More about this title

About the Artist: The Black Crowes

The Black Crowes emerged from Atlanta in 1989 with a sound that married classic rock sensibilities to funk and soul grooves. Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson built a reputation for raw energy and musical authenticity, drawing equally from Stax Records and the guitar-driven rock canon. Their cover of 'Hard to Handle' became a signature piece that showcased their ability to honor a song's roots while bringing their own swagger to it.

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Why we love this

Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious groove and attitude of this funk standard without overcomplicating it. The writing sits comfortably for Grade 3-4 bands while delivering genuine crowd appeal, making it a rare repertoire choice that feels contemporary and musically substantial at the same time.

What to expect

Pure kinetic energy from the opening hit onward. The arrangement pulses with funk grooves and punctuated brass moments that build momentum, capturing the swagger and confidence of the original recording in a format built for the marching field.

Who it's for

Programs looking for a high-energy closer that connects with audiences and engages students through recognizable material. Marching bands at Grade 3-4 level seeking repertoire that balances technical accessibility with genuine musical personality.

How to get the most out of it

Lock the rhythm section into that signature stop time riff early in rehearsals. Once the pulse is locked, the brass punches land with impact rather than sitting ahead or behind the beat.
Shape the dynamic swells in the brass sections to mirror the natural breath of the melody rather than hitting every accent with equal weight. Let some punches breathe.
Keep the energy consistent through the final section. The piece gains momentum when every section maintains the forward drive, even during softer moments.
Isolate the written articulations in the horn lines during sectionals. Clean, unified tonguing on the rhythmic hits makes the difference between a fun arrangement and a polished one.

How to use it

Reserve this for a spot where your band can feed off crowd excitement. It works beautifully as a penultimate selection before a ballad, or as the statement piece that sends the audience home energized. The familiarity of the tune means even non-musicians will recognize and react to it.