In The Air Tonight (arr. Paul Murtha): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Phil Collins / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK01407945
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Description
Featuring the most famous drum break in modern rock, "In the Air Tonight" has become one of Phil Collins' signature hits. Often heard in movies and TV, it was recently used as the theme for "Monday Night Football."
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01407945
More about this title
About the Artist: Phil Collins
Phil Collins rose to prominence as the drummer and later vocalist for Genesis before launching a solo career that dominated the 1980s and 1990s. His work spans art rock, pop, and film soundtracks, earning him multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. Collins brought a distinctive approach to rhythm and production that influenced a generation of musicians and remains central to popular music pedagogy.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious energy and iconic drum groove that made this track a cultural phenomenon without losing sight of what makes it work in a marching context. The Grade 3 level keeps it accessible while maintaining the sophistication that makes this piece stand out on any pop program. When your students nail that famous break, you'll see exactly why this song has stayed embedded in popular culture for decades.
What to expect
Sleek and propulsive, with a groove that's impossible to ignore once it gets in your head. The arrangement balances the song's pop sensibility with the demands of marching instrumentation, creating something that feels both familiar and freshly energized.
Who it's for
Directors programming pop or contemporary rock selections for marching band or wanting to engage students with material they already know and love. This works equally well as a crowd pleaser at football games or as part of a show that bridges classical and contemporary styles.
How to get the most out of it
- Nail the precision of the opening drum pattern before layering in the other sections. This groove is the foundation everything else rides on.
- Balance the lead line so it cuts through without overwhelming the harmonic layers that fill out the arrangement.
- Let the famous break breathe. Resist the urge to rush it; the tension and release are what make it memorable.
- Work the dynamics in the build sections carefully. Each peak should feel earned, not accidental.
How to use it
Use this as a show opener or closer where you want immediate audience connection, or pair it with other pop standards to create a contemporary music segment. It works particularly well early in the season when you're building ensemble cohesion and student confidence around repertoire they genuinely enjoy.
Skills your students will build
- Executing syncopated rhythmic figures in a pop/rock context
- Balancing groove and precision within a fast-moving arrangement
- Playing with stylistic authenticity when interpreting contemporary music
- Listening for and reinforcing the foundational drum patterns that anchor the section