Paul Murtha | Composers

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Paul Murtha
Paul Murtha
Composer, arranger Paul Murtha (b. 1960) is a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he studied jazz arranging with John Morris and music theory with Richard Napolitan.

In 1983, Paul earned a B.S. degree in Music Education (with a minor in Jazz Studies) from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. While at Duquesne, Paul studied jazz arranging with John Wilson and orchestration with Joseph Wilcox Jenkins.

A versatile composer-arranger, Paul is at ease in both professional and educational circles, and is in constant demand in and around Washington, D.C. Paul has written music for acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, Patti LaBelle, Kathy Mattea, Lou Rawls and Kenny Loggins, as well as Ken Burn’s “Music of the Civil War." He has also written extensively for some of the top high school and college marching bands in the country.

Paul’s work with the National Symphony Orchestra includes arrangements for artists such as Trace Adkins, Jordin Sparks, Gloria Estefan, Gladys Knight, and Huey Lewis and the News, for nationally televised events including “A Capitol Fourth” and the “National Memorial Day Concert.”

In December 2016, Paul's "A Swingin' Nutcracker" (a 90-minute work for full orchestra) was premiered by the Baltimore Symphony.

From 1990 to 1996, Paul served as the Chief Arranger at the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. He served on the arranging staff of The United States Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”) in Washington, D.C. from 1996 to 2001, then served as that band’s Chief Arranger from 2001 to 2016. Paul is published exclusively by Hal Leonard Corporation, where he contributes music to many areas of the instrumental catalogue.

Source: Hal Leonard Corporation

Current Title

Wellerman<br>(Flex-Band)

Wellerman<br>(Flex-Band)

A Million Dreams<br>(from The Greatest Showman)

A Million Dreams<br>(from The Greatest Showman)

The Best of Smash Mouth<br>(Flex-Band) (Medley)

The Best of Smash Mouth<br>(Flex-Band) (Medley)

Shallow

Shallow

The Queen Of Soul

The Queen Of Soul

Music by Paul Murtha

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Compositions
Arrangements
Recordings

Wellerman<br>(Flex-Band)

Wellerman
(Flex-Band)

This well-known whaling song from New Zealand has been at the forefront of the rise in popularity of sea shanties. Featuring a memorable melody, rich harmonies, and a nice mix of textures, here is a...
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HL04007102
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A Million Dreams<br>(from The Greatest Showman)

A Million Dreams
(from The Greatest Showman)

Songs from the movie The Greatest Showman have a way of appealing to all ages. This easy arrangement of A Million Dreams is sure to be enjoyed by students and parents...
Concert Band
HL04006336
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The Best of Smash Mouth<br>(Flex-Band) (Medley)

The Best of Smash Mouth
(Flex-Band) (Medley)

Even without the movie Shrek, Smash Mouth has become an iconic band of the ‘90s. This entertaining and upbeat medley for flexible instrumentation includes the hits All Star, Walkin’ on...
Concert Band
HL04005934
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Crystal Magic

Festival Series 65 CD 1: Wings to Fly - Step by Step -The Source - Majestic Waters - A Century of Music - Desert Dances - Tribute to a Maestro - The Miner's Saga - Crystal Magic CD...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8111
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Shallow

From the movie A Star Is Born, here is an easy arrangement of the breakout hit by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Using a nice variety of scoring textures this arrangement starts gently with a flute...
Concert Band
HL04005754
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The Magic Mountain

Festival Series 64 CD 1: A Bluegrass Overture - Leonardo - Agosto - Salutation - Tarjan - Sea of Hope - Pasovario - The Red Stone - Inspire! - The Magic Mountain  CD 2: The Greatest Show...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8113
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The Queen Of Soul

As the world mourns the passing of Aretha Franklin, we celebrate the enduring legacy of her songs and persona. This powerful medley for the concert stage includes the hits Respect, (You Make Me Feel...
Concert Band
HL04005697
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Journey in Concert (Flex-Band) (Medley)

Few rock bands from the 1980s can boast the level of popularity and parade of hits produced by the band Journey. This terrific medley for flexible instrumentation includes Any Way You Want It,...
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HL04005720
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Enter Sandman

From heavy metal masters Metallica, this 1991 hit has become a rock standard. Paul's powerful arrangement for band effectively captures the hard-driving feel of the original. Discovery Plus...
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HL04005418
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The Greatest Showman
(Selections from)

From the powerful soundtrack of the hit movie The Greatest Showman, here is a dramatic and exciting medley for the concert stage. Includes: The Greatest Showman, Never Enough, a Million Dreams, This...
Concert Band
HL04005513
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Journey Through a Magical Kingdom

Festival Series 63 CD 1: Fanfare Exuberante - A Centennial Adventure - Into Your Eyes - Ponte Vecchio - Sbandiamo! - St. Stephen's Chorale - Austrian Fantasy - The Mystery of Light - Homage -...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8125
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Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Selections from) (Flex-Band)

Scored with flexible instrumentation options, here is a beautifully adpated medley of the primary themes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. You'll hear dramatic new material along with well-known...
Concert Band, Mixed Ensemble (Woodwinds/Brass)
HL04005457
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The Best of James Bond (Medley)

Featuring some of the best-known spy themes from the silver screen, here is a very playable medley of James Bond soundtrack favorites through the years. Includes: James Bond Theme, Goldfinger, Live...
Concert Band
HL04005400
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The Imperial March
(Darth Vader's Theme)

Composed over 40 years ago, this deliciously sinister theme for Darth Vader remains one of the most recognizable musical compositions in movie history. This authentic-sounding version captures all...
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HL04005404
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Wonders of Nature

Festival Series 62 CD 1: Festival Prelude 'Ad Excel' - Purcellian Fantasia - The White Thrill - Dreamcatcher - Wonders of Nature - Dionysos - Fantasia Helvetica - Equestrian...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8130
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Thunder

As suggested by the title, this powerful rock hit from Imagine Dragons has a thundering pulse and strong melodic lines throughout. Nicely adapted here for band by Paul Murtha. Discovery Plus Band...
Concert Band
HL04005449
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Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble Vol. 20

- NO LONGER AVAILABLE - CD 1: Celebration - Fantasia in G major, BWV 572: Gravement - Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 - Eloi, Eloi - Rhapsody in Blue - Grand Canyon Fanfare - Variations on a Shaker...
CD (Compact Disc)
TDIV566
no longer available
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Despacito

Becoming the first YouTube video to hit 4 billion views, Luis Fonsi's “Despacito” also reached the top of the pop charts in over 40 countries. Featuring a blend of Latin pop and urban...
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HL04005388
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The Wall

Festival Series 61 CD 1: A Golden Jubilation - Song of Friendship - Town of the Seven Hills - March-Chagu-Chagu - In Memoriam - The Wall - Pulse - St. Paul's Suite - Zodiac Dances -...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8139
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Can't Buy Me Love

The timeless quality of music by the Beatles shines through in this nicely paced medley of hits. Perform this with band alone, or combine with choir and strings for a memorable production. Includes:...
Concert Band
HL04005032
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Seven Nation Army (Flex-Band)

Recorded by The White Stripes in 2003, this familiar rock hit has become a favorite at sporting events. Paul's energetic arrangement for flexible instrumentation features the signature bass line...
Concert Band, Mixed Ensemble (Woodwinds/Brass)
HL04005183
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Queen On Stage (Flex-Band)

The powerful music of rock band Queen remains as relevant and recognizable as ever. This exciting medley for flexible instrumentation includes the timeless hits We Will Rock You, Another One Bites...
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HL04005185
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Winds on Fire

Festival Series 60 CD 1: Festival Bells - Highdays and Holidays - A Vision of the First Light - Concertino for Clarinet - White Winged Flight - A Knight's Tale - Tchaikovsky Highlights -...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8146
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Rock and Roll All Nite

First released in 1975, this rock hit is the signature song for the group Kiss and has remained a familiar and enduring rock anthem for the ages. Here is an effective and hard-hitting arrangement for...
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HL04005002
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Can't Stop the Feeling

n addition to being a hit single on the pop charts, this catchy and upbeat Justin Timberlake tune is featured in the animated film Trolls. The opening melody is play by alto sax solo, followed by...
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HL04004995
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Spain

Composed by jazz pianist Chick Corea and recorded on his landmark 1973 album Light as a Feather, this vibrant work has solidified its standing as a jazz fusion classic. The lyrical and sensuous...
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HL04005030
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The Bare Necessities

First heard in the original Jungle Book movie from 1967, this familiar tune is featured again in the blockbuster 2016 version. In this clever arrangement for band, Paul Murtha uses a peppy 2-beat...
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HL04004779
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Libertango

- NO LONGER AVAILABLE - One of the classic tangos from Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, Libertango has attained worldwide popularity and remains one of his most popular works. Arranged here...
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HL04004783
no longer available
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Take On Me

Recorded by Norwegian pop band A-ha in 1985, this familiar tune has taken on a life of its own becoming one of the top selling singles of all time. Paul's effective version for concert band...
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HL04004608
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Don't Stop Me Now

Although this tune by iconic band Queen met with a rather cool reception when it was first released in 1979, over the years it has become one of the bands most popular songs thanks in part to...
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HL04004606
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A Thousand Years

Initially featured in the blockbuster movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and recorded by Christina Perri, this powerful ballad enjoys continued popularity. A rare pop tune in 3/4...
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HL04004260
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The Unknown Journey

Festival Series 58 CD 1: With Clouds Descending - The Last Night of Fall - La Vouivre - Vongole ! - Incendium - La Canzone della Fantasia - Villariacum - Caldas da Rainha - The Unknown...
CD (Compact Disc)
T8162
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Live and Let Die

Of all the James Bond movies through the years, Live and Let Die, recorded by Paul McCartney and Wings, provided one of the most dynamic and powerful theme songs. Mixing a variety of styles from pop...
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HL04004133
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Heroic Fanfare

Originally composed for the acclaimed U.S. Army Band Herald Trumpets, Paul Murtha's dramatic fanfare pays tribute to the heroic men and women of the New York City Fire Department who lost their...
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HL04004113
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All About That Bass

This mega hit from recording artist Meghan Trainor features a catchy upbeat melody and even a doo-wop flavor at times. This solid arrangement for young bands gives the bass line instruments...
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HL04004177
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Livin' on a Prayer

Originally released in 1986, Livin' on a Prayer has become the signature song for rock group Bon Jovi. Thanks to continued usage in pop culture, sporting events and video games, this classic rock...
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HL04004151
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Here Comes Santa Claus (Flex-Band)

Paul Murtha puts a unique spin on this familiar Christmas tune using a mix of styles from two-beat, to rock shuffle, to straight-ahead swing. Every part gets a chance to play the melody in this...
Concert Band, Mixed Ensemble (Woodwinds/Brass)
HL04003946
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Superstition (Flex-Band)

Stevie Wonder's hit from 1973 remains as fresh-sounding as ever. Paul Murtha's version for flexible instrumentation features a funky groove and all the signature riffs.
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HL04003948
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Let It Go (from Frozen)

Designed as a flexible solo feature with band (use a vocalist or instrumental soloist) this marvelous arrangement of the signature hit song from Disney's Frozen is a great way to add variety to any...
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HL04003926
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Eric Clapton on Stage (Medley)

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, Eric Clapton is considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time, and his impressive string of hits spans four decades. In this...
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HL04003802
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Welcome to the Jungle

Named the greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1, Guns N' Roses' signature hit was introduced back in 1987 and remains as popular and recognizable today as ever. Featuring plenty of musical...
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HL04003724
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Crocodile Rock (Flex-Band)

Elton John's quirky and upbeat rock hit was first recorded in the early '70s, but it has remained popular ever since. Paul's version for flexible instrumentation skillfully passes the melody around...
Concert Band, Mixed Ensemble (Woodwinds/Brass)
HL04003758
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Polka Party (Flex-Band)

Here's a rousing medley of three all-time favorite polka hits. Includes: Pennsylvania Polka, Just Because, and of course The Chicken Dance. And who doesn't like a good polka! Hal...
Concert Band, Mixed Ensemble (Woodwinds/Brass)
HL04003580
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Peter Gunn

Winning Grammy and Emmy awards for Henry Mancini, this timeless TV theme has come to epitomize “spy” music. This unique arrangement for concert band features an optional solo section where any number...
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HL04003306
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Party Dance Mix (Medley)

From the iTunes hit list to the dance floor, here is a tuneful and upbeat medley of some of the hottest dance hits today, skillfully arranged by Paul Murtha. Includes: Moves Like Jagger, Good Time,...
Concert Band
HL04003357
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My Heart Will Go On (Flex-Band)

Commemorating 100 years since Titanic was lost at sea, James Cameron released the 3-D version of his classic 1997 movie. Here is a touching arrangement of the familiar main theme scored for flexible...
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HL04003264
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Runaway Baby

Featuring a tuneful melody, a well-constructed form, and an energetic pulse, this Bruno Mars hit adapts quite well for band in this entertaining and dynamic arrangement from Paul Murtha.
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HL04003260
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Party Rock Anthem
(Marching Band)

Series One Marching Band Series

From the airwaves to your football field, here's the irresistible Party Rock Anthem in a rock solid easier arrangement. Scored for smaller bands, this will...
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HL03745614
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