News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Vintage Vinyl – Classic Hits for Band Thursday, April 17, 2014

Pop titles are perfect spring concert fare, and once you’ve selected a contemporary Top 40 hit or two for your students, it’s nice to treat your audience of 30-something parents (and yourself) with music familiar to their generation.  From the funk of Tower of Power and The Commodores to the rock n’ roll and heavy metal of The Eagles, The Who, and Guns N’ Roses, there is a host of new arrangements of hits from the 70’s and 80’s that will go over well with your audience.  Besides, there’s no such thing as hipping your students to too much music!

Brick House – The Commodores
arr. Paul Murtha
Grade 3
This funky hit recorded by the Commodores in 1977 has proven its staying power over the years.   Paul Murtha’s lively arrangement featuring the signature horn riffs is sure to become an audience favorite.

The Eagles on Tour – The Eagles
arr. Patrick Roszell
Grade 3
Iconic 70′s rock band, The Eagles, are highlighted in this arrangement featuring three of their biggest hits—the bluesy Heartache Tonight, the beautiful Desperado, and the haunting Hotel California.

Lennon – John Lennon
arr. Roland Barrett
Grade 3
John Lennon is responsible for 25 number-one singles on the U.S. Hot 100 chart, and in 2008, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him the fifth-greatest singer of all time. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Included in this lush arrangement are Jealous Guy, Instant Karma, and Imagine.

Metal! – Various Artists
arr. Sean O’Loughlin
Grade 3
Who knew that vintage metal tunes would adapt so well for the concert stage! Sean O’Loughlin’s experience working directly some of the nation’s top recording artists gives him a decided edge when it comes to making these timeless heavy metal hits sound great for band. Includes: The Trooper (Iron Maiden), Iron Man (Black Sabbath), Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions), and Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne).

Pinball Wizard - The Who
arr. Patrick Roszell
Grade 3
From The Who’s rock opera, Tommy, this high-energy, driving classic has been recognized in Billboard’s Top 10.  Who but Patrick Roszell could bring Pete Townshend’s power chords come alive for concert band!

Tower of Power Greatest Hits – Tower of Power
arr. Victor Lopez
Grade 3.5
A mainstay of funk music since the 70′s, this arrangement features three of the best-known hits by Oakland, CA based Tower of Power.  Perfect for addressing articulation and tight playing, the tunes include What Is Hip?, the lyrical ballad, You’re Still a Young Man, and Down to the Nightclub.

Welcome to the Jungle - Guns N’ Roses
arr. Paul Murtha
Grade 3
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 variety and excitement, this version will challenge young players but is guaranteed to inspire them to practice!

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