Ozzy In Concert: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the recognizable hooks and energy of four massive Ozzy anthems while keeping the Grade 3 instrumentation straightforward enough for developing bands to execute convincingly. Students immediately recognize these melodies, which means engagement starts before rehearsal even begins. The medley format lets you pack substantial musical and cultural weight into a single piece without requiring extended concert time.

Four distinct moods woven together: the driving determination of "Crazy Train," the emotional pull of a soldier's homecoming in "Mama, I'm Coming Home," the mysterious atmosphere of "Mr. Crowley," and the cathartic release of "No More Tears." The arrangement maintains the character and hook of each song while adapting them for concert band voices, giving the ensemble ownership of material that resonates with them personally.

Directors programming concerts for bands at the intermediate level, particularly those looking to program music that reflects what students actually listen to outside the band room. This medley works for spring concerts, pops nights, or festival programs where you want to demonstrate that contemporary relevance and musical substance go hand in hand. It's also ideal for bands seeking repertoire that energizes both performers and audiences without sacrificing musical integrity.

• Establish the drive and pocket of "Crazy Train" early in rehearsals by isolating the rhythm section and locking in the locomotive feel before adding melodic voices.
• Bring out the lyrical quality in "Mama, I'm Coming Home" by requesting that brass players shape phrases the way a vocalist would, with attention to breathing points and dynamic contours.
• Lean into the minor key darkness of "Mr. Crowley" with controlled ensemble balance so the melody cuts through without the arrangement becoming murky.
• Let the recorded accompaniment guide your tempo choices across the medley transitions, especially where Murtha shifts energy between songs.

Slot this into a spring or fall concert as a centerpiece that bridges musical styles and generations of listeners in your audience. The medley format makes it perfect for programs mixing classical and contemporary repertoire, since it demonstrates range without requiring two separate selections. Consider pairing it with original art rock compositions to create a thematic arc exploring how rock music has become part of the concert band canon.

• Reading and executing articulations that differ from typical classical style (hard attacks, extended note releases)
• Balancing rhythmic precision with stylistic feel in a rock context
• Managing dynamic contrast across linked medley sections with different moods
• Responding to recorded accompaniment and aligning to a contemporary produced sound