Lost!: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Murtha captures the essential character of Coldplay's original while scaling the demands thoughtfully. Grade 2 groups can actually nail this in rehearsal, which means your students get to feel the satisfaction of playing a current, recognizable tune rather than something written specifically as a training exercise.

A introspective light rock setting with modern harmonic flavor. The arrangement breathes rather than pushes, letting the melody sit naturally over a supporting foundation that feels current and accessible.

Grade 2 jazz ensembles and smaller groups looking for contemporary material that won't consume weeks of rehearsal. Directors teaching mixed-ability sections will appreciate how Murtha distributes the technical challenges evenly.

• Anchor the groove with a tight rhythm section; even at light rock tempo, a locked bass and drums line creates the pocket that makes this arrangement sing.
• Balance the melody across trumpet and saxophone sections so no single line dominates; Coldplay's original thrives on blended texture rather than spotlight moments.
• Keep the articulation conversational in the horn parts. This isn't a march; the attacks should be relaxed and almost speech-like to match the song's reflective quality.

Pair this with traditional jazz standards in a spring concert to show students how jazz arranging adapts music across genres. It also works well as a confidence builder earlier in the year when reading skills are still developing.

• Playing with consistent swing feel in a contemporary context
• Balancing as a section rather than competing for prominence
• Reading and executing light articulation markings that shape phrasing
• Understanding how harmonic structure works across pop and jazz idioms