I'll Stand By You (arr. Paul Murtha): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by The Pretenders / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00690690
$60.00
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Description
This powerful rock ballad recorded by Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders continues to resonate well beyond its release in 1994 thanks to a strong melody and hopeful message. Here is a terrific sounding version for concert band with brief solos for alto sax and flute.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00690690
More about this title
About the Artist: The Pretenders
The Pretenders emerged from the British new wave scene in the late 1970s, with Chrissie Hynde as the band's creative force and distinctive voice. Their catalog spans decades of consistently crafted rock music that balances accessibility with genuine musicianship, making them a natural touchstone for concert band arrangements aimed at audiences of all ages.
Why we love this
Murtha's arrangement captures the emotional weight of this ballad while keeping the technical demands at a Grade 3 level, which is no small feat. The alto sax and flute solos give your section leaders meaningful moments without overwhelming the ensemble, and students will recognize the tune immediately, which builds confidence and engagement.
What to expect
A song about loyalty and commitment rendered with sincerity rather than sentimentality. The arrangement respects the original's earnest melody while adding just enough ensemble color to feel substantial without becoming overblown.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the middle school and early high school level, as well as community ensembles looking for repertoire that bridges classical and contemporary sensibilities. Directors seeking material that speaks to young performers while remaining accessible for rehearsal will find this arrangement particularly useful.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody carefully between the upper woodwinds and horns during the main theme; neither should overshadow the other, and this blend often determines whether the piece feels genuinely heartfelt or thin.
- Let the alto sax solo breathe with space around the notes rather than pushing the tempo forward; this player needs room to own the moment.
- Shape the dynamics gradually from the opening into the fuller sections, treating quiet passages as building toward something rather than as static underscore.
- Keep the rhythm section grounded and steady through meter changes or tempo shifts; your bass and percussion anchor whether the piece feels confident or tentative.
How to use it
This pairs well on a concert with both classic wind repertoire and lighter contemporary fare, serving as the bridge between them. Its hopeful message makes it especially fitting for spring concerts or community outreach events where connection with the audience matters as much as musicianship.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing ensemble blend across families of instruments
- Phrasing and shaping a recognizable melody without cliché
- Supporting solo passages with sensitive accompaniment
- Maintaining rhythmic stability and ensemble cohesion in moderate tempos