Billy Joel in Concert (arr. Paul Murtha): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha's arrangement captures the energy and immediacy of these five blockbuster hits without sacrificing the harmonic richness that makes Joel's writing distinctive. Your students will recognize every moment, your audience will leave humming, and you'll have a piece that programs well alongside both classical and contemporary repertoire without feeling like a novelty.

Upbeat, accessible, and unabashedly celebratory. The medley format moves through contrasting musical moments while maintaining a cohesive energy, shifting from the infectious groove of "Uptown Girl" to the introspective warmth of "Piano Man" to the driving rock of the closing numbers. There's a confidence and joy in this music that comes from songs designed for packed stadiums.

Concert bands at the Grade 3 level looking for repertoire that generates genuine enthusiasm from performers and audiences alike. This works equally well for groups seeking a crowd-pleasing finale, a spring pops concert centerpiece, or a way to build engagement among younger or less experienced ensembles.

• Balance the melodic line across sections so that the familiar tunes cut through clearly; these songs depend on instant recognition, so resist the urge to over-blend the accompaniment.
• Lean into the rhythmic swagger of "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me" and "You May Be Right" by keeping the pulse grounded and slightly behind the beat in those sections.
• Let "Piano Man" breathe with a warmer, more legato approach; the contrast between this reflective moment and the surrounding uptempo material will make both more effective.
• Use the key modulations between sections as natural points for subtle dynamic and textural shifts rather than treating them as abrupt changes.

Consider opening a concert with this medley to immediately establish an energetic tone, or place it as a closer after more serious repertoire to send audiences home satisfied. It pairs naturally with other accessible pop and rock arrangements, or stands effectively as your sole contemporary piece on a program weighted toward classical works.

• Balancing melodic projection with harmonic accompaniment
• Maintaining rhythmic precision across style shifts and tempo changes
• Responding to dynamic and textural contrasts within a single continuous piece
• Interpreting idiomatic rock and pop rhythmic feels (swing, groove, shuffle)