Lullaby Of Birdland Sheet Music Preview

Lullaby Of Birdland: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By George Shearing / By George David Weiss / Arranged by John Wasson

Grade: 5

Item: 35-PK00175099

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Description
Arranged in a medium up-tempo swing style and featuring an alto sax soloist at the top, here is a fabulous setting of this jazz standard for mature bands. Also featured is an extended sax soli with flugelhorn doubling the lead, as well as answers from the brass and shout sections for the entire band. Destined to become a staple in the repertoire.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00175099

More about this title

About the Composer: George Shearing

George Shearing was a British jazz pianist and composer whose sophisticated harmonic language and refined touch shaped the sound of 1950s jazz. Though trained classically, he channeled his disciplined approach into ensemble writing that balanced complexity with accessibility, creating works that appealed to both serious musicians and general audiences.

Shearing's enduring contribution to music education lies in his ability to write jazz that demands musicianship without sacrificing swing. His compositions have become standards in jazz education because they reward careful listening and precise execution while remaining accessible to developing ensembles.

Why we love this

Wasson's arrangement captures the sophistication of the original while building in excellent solo and ensemble opportunities that keep players engaged throughout. The combination of alto sax feature, extended sax soli, and full band shout sections creates natural momentum and gives every section a moment to shine, making this genuinely rewarding to conduct and play.

What to expect

Sophisticated yet swinging; the arrangement wraps you in lush harmonic color while the rhythm section propels everything forward. There's a sense of refinement and control throughout, even as the band builds energy through layered textures and ensemble shout sections.

Who it's for

Jazz ensembles with solid section training and at least one capable alto sax soloist ready to carry extended passages. This works equally well for high school jazz bands seeking substantial repertoire and college jazz ensembles looking for elegant medium-tempo numbers that program well alongside contemporary charts.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the flugelhorn with the sax soli line so the lead voice projects without drowning out the ensemble texture underneath.
  • Lock the rhythm section into a relaxed medium swing feel first; once that pocket is secure, the brass answers and shout sections will land with significantly more punch.
  • Let the alto sax soloist breathe musically rather than rushing the interpretation; this arrangement rewards thoughtful phrasing over technical speed.
  • Mark clear dynamic separation between ensemble backgrounds and solo sections so the soloist has room to develop ideas without fighting the band.

How to use it

This pairs beautifully as an opener or early set piece for a jazz concert where you want to establish ensemble musicality and sophistication from the start. It also stands out as a strong contrast to up-tempo bebop charts, offering audiences a chance to hear how elegantly a good arrangement can balance complexity with accessibility.

Skills your students will build

  • Medium-tempo swing feel and rhythmic precision
  • Solo melodic development and phrasing over changes
  • Balanced ensemble backgrounds supporting a featured soloist
  • Coordinated sax section voicing and blend
  • Call-and-response execution between sections
  • Dynamic control in background figures

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