Superstition: Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without losing any of the funk. The flexible instrumentation means you can run this with whatever ensemble size and instrumentation you have on any given day, and it still locks into that iconic groove that students recognize immediately.

Superstition grooves with irresistible forward motion. The arrangement swings with funky confidence, punctuated by the sharp hits and riffs that made this song iconic, creating an irresistible invitation to move.

Directors looking for a high-energy opener or closer that connects with students and audiences alike. Ensembles at grades 2-3 can tackle the technical demands while still delivering the full sonic character of the original.

• Lock the signature clavinet riff into your brass and woodwind sections so it sits as a unified voice rather than competing rhythmic elements.
• Keep the hi-hat articulation tight and consistent; that crisp eighth-note pulse drives the entire arrangement forward.
• Emphasize the syncopation in the horn parts without rushing; let the swing sit naturally in the pocket rather than forcing it ahead of the beat.
• Balance the bass line prominently in your mix so the low-end groove anchors the ensemble, especially during the horn and reed hits.

Drop this into a concert celebrating popular music or film and television repertoire, where it can serve as an energizing contrast to classical or traditional concert fare. It works equally well as an encore that leaves the audience smiling and energized.

• Understanding and executing funk rhythms and syncopation
• Balancing written lines within a groove-based ensemble context
• Responding to and maintaining a consistent pocket across multiple instrument families
• Interpreting articulation and phrasing in contemporary styles
• Flexibility in adapting parts based on available instrumentation