Shake a Tail Feather (arr. Paul Murtha): Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Ray Charles
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00431447
$55.00
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Description
Originally recorded in the '60s, this tune has been covered by countless artists over the years, most notably by Ray Charles in the movie "The Blues Brothers". Sure to be recognized by all, it's perfect for just about any occasion.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00431447
More about this title
About the Artist: Ray Charles
Ray Charles transformed American music across six decades, moving fluidly between jazz, blues, gospel, country, and pop while remaining rooted in the emotional authenticity of the African American experience. His innovative approach to arrangement and his fearless genre-crossing made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, earning him the nickname "The Genius" and a place in the consciousness of listeners across multiple generations.
Why we love this
Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious energy and rhythmic momentum of this classic without overwhelming younger ensembles. The Grade 2.5 scoring keeps the groove accessible while maintaining the tune's unmistakable swagger, making it an excellent choice for concerts where you want immediate audience recognition paired with genuine musicianship.
What to expect
Confident swagger with a wink. The arrangement bounces along with good humor and rhythmic drive, inviting audiences into a familiar world while giving your students the satisfaction of executing tight, syncopated ensemble work. There's a lightness here, not a heaviness, which makes it feel contemporary despite its '60s origins.
Who it's for
Directors programming a show that spans multiple decades and styles, particularly those working with Grade 2 or 3 bands eager to play something their audiences will immediately recognize and enjoy. This works equally well as a concert opener or closer.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the backbeat pocket with your snare and bass drum section first. This groove lives or dies on the rhythm section's steadiness, so isolate that foundation before layering in the horn lines.
- Keep the brass articulations crisp and syncopated. The syncopation drives the character, so resist the urge to smooth it into straight quarter notes.
- Balance the melody against the supporting figures. The main tune should cut through clearly, but those secondary lines give the arrangement its personality and should remain audible.
How to use it
Open a concert with this to set an upbeat tone and establish rapport with your audience immediately. Its popularity means your listeners will settle in quickly, giving you momentum heading into more complex repertoire. It also works nicely on programs mixing classical and contemporary material, providing a sonic palette cleanser.
Skills your students will build
- Executing syncopated rhythmic figures in ensemble
- Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
- Maintaining groove and steady backbeat under varied orchestration
- Articulation control in moderate tempo pop idiom
- Listening for and playing with style-appropriate phrasing