Running Up That Hill (arr. Paul Murtha): Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Murtha captures the propulsive energy and atmospheric depth of Bush's original arrangement without sacrificing the song's distinctive character. At Grade 3, it sits in the sweet spot where students can navigate the material without sacrificing musicality, making this a rewarding choice for ensembles looking to program something students actually recognize and care about.

Urgent and dreamlike at once. The arrangement channels Bush's signature synth-driven production into a propulsive groove that feels both introspective and driving, with enough harmonic color to keep the ensemble engaged across the full form.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want to engage students with a contemporary song that crosses generational appeal thanks to recent popular culture exposure. Directors seeking repertoire that maintains artistic credibility while connecting to student experience will find real value here.

• Balance the synth-like textures between sections. The arrangement likely layers sustained backgrounds with driving rhythmic figures, so define which voices carry melody versus which support the harmonic wash.
• Lock into the original's relentless forward motion. This track thrives on rhythmic precision and groove consistency across the ensemble.
• Pay attention to dynamic shape within phrases. Bush's vocal delivery has subtle swells and pulls that translating to the ensemble creates sophistication beyond what surface-level chart reading suggests.

Position this as a feature piece on a pops or contemporary music concert, where it can bookend more traditional jazz standards. The recognizability factor makes it an excellent closer or bridge piece between classical and jazz sets when programming mixed audiences.

• Interpreting synth-style articulation and phrasing across ensemble parts
• Maintaining rhythmic grid integrity while shaping musical lines
• Balancing layered textures where multiple voices carry equal harmonic importance
• Reading and executing modern pop-influenced harmonic language