Tarzan Soundtrack Highlights (from Disney's Tarzan) (arr. Paul Murtha): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha has extracted three songs that showcase the best elements of Collins' songwriting while giving your ensemble genuine energy and melodic material to sink their teeth into. The pop sensibility sits comfortably at Grade 3, meaning students aren't fighting complicated harmonies; instead they can focus on locking into the grooves and character that make these songs instantly recognizable. Bands consistently come alive when they recognize what they're playing, and this arrangement delivers exactly that motivation.

Energetic and accessible, with the kind of memorable melodies that stick in students' heads long after rehearsal ends. The arrangements capture the film's adventure and heart without sacrificing the pop elements that make these songs fun to play.

Any director programming a concert that needs repertoire with broad student appeal and genuine engagement. Works especially well for bands at the early intermediate level who are ready to move beyond standard educational pieces but aren't prepared for Grade 4 complexity.

• Lock the rhythm section (bass and percussion) into a tight pocket first. The groove carries these arrangements, so establish that foundation before layering in the melodic voices.
• Highlight the distinctive 'hooks' in each song rather than letting them blend into the texture. Give soloists or small sections the space to make these moments speak.
• Keep the tempo conversational and energetic without rushing. These are pop songs, not marches; clarity and feel matter more than raw speed.
• Balance the upper woodwinds against the brass when they carry the main line. Disney's orchestrations are transparent, and Murtha's transcription relies on that same clarity.

Consider programming this as a standalone suite or splitting the three selections across different concerts in the school year. The familiar source material works especially well for family concerts or pops concerts where you want to bridge the gap between student musicians and general audiences.

• Maintaining consistent tempo and groove in pop style ensemble playing
• Balancing transparent orchestration across multiple sections
• Identifying and executing musical hooks and melodic material
• Responding to rhythmic precision in syncopated passages