Spirit Of New Orleans (March): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Paul Murtha
Grade: 1.5
Item: 35-PK00320584
$45.00
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Description
Inspired by the character and spirit of the city it's named for, "Spirit of New Orleans" is an energetic and dynamic march written specifically for beginning players. Solid scoring and easy rhythms guarantee success with this one.
Dur: 1:15
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00320584
More about this title
About the Composer: Paul Murtha
Paul Murtha is a prolific composer and arranger whose catalog spans concert band, jazz ensemble, and wind ensemble literature. His approach to writing for younger and developing musicians emphasizes accessible scoring that doesn't sacrifice musical substance or personality. Murtha has built his reputation by understanding exactly what works in the rehearsal room: parts that sit comfortably in the instrument's range, rhythms that feel natural in the mouth, and melodies that students actually want to play.
Why we love this
Murtha captures the festive, infectious energy of New Orleans without resorting to tired stereotypes or oversimplified writing. The scoring keeps all sections engaged and visible in the texture; nobody sits through long stretches of rests. For a 1.5 grade march, the balance between accessibility and musical interest is remarkably achieved.
What to expect
Bright, festive, and forward-moving. The piece radiates the warmth and cultural richness of New Orleans without requiring advanced musicianship to bring it to life. There's a joy in the writing that's contagious.
Who it's for
Beginning and early intermediate concert bands that need a march with genuine character and contemporary spirit. Directors working with younger students will appreciate how the part writing invites all instruments into the musical conversation without exceeding technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the articulation of the main march theme across the entire ensemble. Slight differences in tongue attack between sections will blur what should be a crisp, unified statement.
- Keep the energy moving forward even in softer passages. New Orleans music thrives on rhythmic momentum, so resist the urge to let inner voices sag.
- Balance the low brass carefully. They carry important harmonic color here, but they should support rather than overpower the melody line.
- Invest rehearsal time in the transitions between sections. These moments are where the piece either feels polished or disjointed for your audience.
How to use it
This works beautifully as an opener to showcase your band's improvement in precision and tone control. It also makes an excellent piece for a spring or festival concert, especially if you're programming around Americana or American regional themes.
Skills your students will build
- Unified articulation across multiple sections
- Maintaining steady tempo and rhythmic momentum
- Playing supporting harmonic roles with clarity and presence
- Executing clean section transitions
- Balancing individual tone quality with ensemble blend