Composer, arranger Paul Murtha (b. 1960) is a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he studied jazz arranging with John Morris and 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, PA. 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, and Ken Burns’ "Music of the Civil War." He has also written extensively for some of the top high school marching bands in the country, including The Norwin High School Band in North Huntingdon, PA.
From 1990 to 1996, Paul served as the Chief Arranger at the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, NY and is currently the Chief Arranger for The United States Army Band ("Pershing’s Own") in Washington, D.C., where he writes for all elements of the United States Army’s Premier Band.
Paul is published exclusively by Hal Leonard Corporation where he contributes music to many areas of the instrumental catalogue.