Blinding Lights (arr. Paul Murtha): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Paul Murtha has captured the propulsive energy of the original while giving every section meaningful moments. The melody rotates through the ensemble with clarity and purpose, and the alto sax solo option lets soloists own the spotlight without derailing the arrangement's tight construction.

Electric and propulsive, with an irresistible forward momentum. The arrangement captures the hypnotic quality of the original's synth work through careful orchestration, creating a modern sound that still swings.

Directors seeking repertoire that connects with students through recognizable contemporary music while maintaining solid musicianship requirements. Jazz ensembles at the early intermediate level will find the part writing accessible without sacrificing arranging sophistication.

• Keep the rhythm section locked in tempo from the downbeat. The groove is the foundation; everything else sits on top of it.
• Balance the melody passes so each section enters cleanly. Avoid over-blending when the baton moves to a new group.
• Shape the full ensemble hits with dynamic control. Power doesn't mean uniform loudness; let the writing itself do the heavy lifting.
• If using the alto sax solo, rehearse transitions in and out carefully so the soloist's entry and exit feel inevitable, not interrupt the flow.

Program this as a set opener or centerpiece during a concert mixing jazz standards with contemporary repertoire. It works particularly well in spring concerts where audience engagement matters, and serves as an excellent vehicle for showing how jazz ensemble skills apply to current popular music.

• Executing clean melodic passes between sections
• Maintaining groove in an uptempo pop context
• Balancing ensemble blend during full band hits
• Accompanying and supporting a featured soloist
• Reading and executing the optional parts (flute, clarinet, F horn, tuba)