Lean On Me: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Bill Withers / Arranged by John Wasson
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00167828
$50.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Lean On Me - Full Score | $7.50 | |
| Lean On Me - Alto Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Alto Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Tenor Sax 1 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Tenor Sax 2 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Baritone Sax | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trumpet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trumpet 4 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trombone 3 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trombone 4 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Guitar | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Piano | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Bass | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Drums | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Aux Percussion | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Solo Sheet | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Originally a hit for Bill Withers in the '70s, this catchy tune was a hit again thanks to the TV show "Glee." This updated version features a contemporary medium funk groove and the melody passed around to all sections. Also includes a brief solo for tenor sax.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00167828
More about this title
About the Composer: Bill Withers
Bill Withers emerged from the soul and funk scene of the 1970s with a gift for writing songs that spoke to universal human experience. His sparse, honest arrangements and warm baritone made him a studio musician first, but when he stepped into the spotlight as a songwriter and performer, he created standards that have outlasted nearly every trend in popular music. "Lean On Me" stands among his most enduring compositions because of its straightforward message and infectious groove.
Why we love this
Students connect to this material instantly because they know the melody from media and streaming, which builds confidence and engagement from the first rehearsal. John Wasson's orchestration keeps the funk pulse clear while distributing the tune across the ensemble so everyone gets a moment in the spotlight. The tenor sax solo opens a door for your strongest improvisor to shine in a controlled, supportive context.
What to expect
Warm, grounded, and genuinely joyful. The contemporary funk arrangement keeps the song's essential humanity intact while giving it enough rhythmic snap to move the room. There's an infectious ease to this tune that reminds players why funk music exists: to make people feel good.
Who it's for
Grade 2 jazz ensembles with developing section voices and at least one saxophonist ready for a brief improvised statement. This works especially well for programs building confidence in younger players who need repertoire that sounds current and accessible.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the groove by locking the bass and drums into a tight pocket before bringing in the harmonic sections. The medium funk feel should feel relaxed rather than rushed.
- Voice the melody passing around sections as a call-and-response texture rather than a handoff. Each section should feel like they're answering the previous one.
- Let the tenor saxophonist know the solo is their moment to explore within the groove. A simple blues framework gives them enough freedom while keeping the performance cohesive.
How to use it
Open a spring concert with this piece if you want immediate audience energy and connection. It pairs naturally with other funk and R&B standards, and its familiar melody makes it ideal for programs where community members or guest artists might sit in.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining medium funk groove (quarter-note pocket)
- Passing melodic material between sections with clear articulation
- Listening to rhythm section while playing sustained backgrounds
- Solo phrasing in a blues context
- Balancing rhythmic precision with groove feel