Lean On Me: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Bill Withers / Arranged by John Berry
Grade: 1-2
Item: 35-PK00171980
$45.00
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 - Trombone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trombone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Trombone 3 | $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 - Flute | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Bb Clarinet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Bb Clarinet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| Lean On Me - Tuba | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Based on the contemporary style featured on the hit TV show "Glee," here is a very easy version of Bill Withers' familiar hit from the '70s. Easy to learn and fun to play!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00171980
More about this title
About the Composer: Bill Withers
Bill Withers emerged from the soul and R&B landscape of the 1970s with an instinctive gift for writing songs that feel both intimate and universal. As a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, he crafted a catalog of hits that balanced emotional authenticity with accessibility, earning him lasting recognition across generations of listeners.
Withers' "Lean On Me" stands as one of his most enduring compositions. The song's message of mutual support and community resonance has made it a staple in settings ranging from concerts to graduations to social movements, cementing its place in American popular music.
Why we love this
John Berry's Grade 1-2 treatment captures the warmth and straightforward humanity that makes this song so powerful, without requiring your ensemble to navigate complex harmony or intricate rhythmic figures. The arrangement respects the original's soulful DNA while making it genuinely accessible, so students can focus on phrasing, blend, and the expressive quality that transforms a simple tune into something memorable.
What to expect
Warm, supportive, and grounded in a pocket-driven groove. The arrangement captures the song's fundamental decency and straightforward message; there's nothing flashy here, just honest musicmaking that invites listeners in rather than showing off.
Who it's for
Beginning to early intermediate jazz ensembles seeking repertoire that teaches solid musicianship without overwhelming newer players. This works equally well for groups building confidence with R&B and rock idioms or for programs looking to include beloved contemporary material alongside traditional jazz standards.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody so the supporting voices don't recede into pure texture; each part contributes to the song's harmonic integrity.
- Pay attention to the rhythm section's pocket rather than rushing; the groove lives in restraint and clarity, not speed.
- Shape the phrase endings with intention; let them breathe slightly to honor the song's conversational quality.
- Use dynamics to reveal the arrangement's emotional arc; starting understated gives you room to build genuine lift when the music asks for it.
How to use it
Program this where you want to connect with an audience beyond the typical jazz ensemble crowd; its familiarity and emotional directness work beautifully on community concerts or as a bridge piece between a classical set and more adventurous jazz writing. It also serves as an excellent teaching tool early in the year when you're establishing ensemble tone and rhythmic stability.
Skills your students will build
- Groove-based rhythmic precision in R&B and rock contexts
- Voice leading and harmonic awareness within limited range
- Phrasing and dynamic shaping in contemporary styles
- Ensemble balance between melody and accompaniment voices
- Reading and responding to lead sheet and part notation