We Can Work It Out Sheet Music Preview

We Can Work It Out: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

As performed by The Beatles / Arranged by John Wasson

Grade: 4

Item: 35-PK00290656

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Description
Reminiscent of the sassy and funky version recorded by Chaka Kahn, here is a hot re-working of the classic Beatles hit. Featuring creative harmonies and sizzling horn riffs, this is sure to add a spark of energy to any program.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00290656

More about this title

About the Artist: The Beatles

The Beatles transformed popular music in the 1960s with their innovative songwriting, harmonic sophistication, and willingness to experiment across genres. Their catalog remains a cornerstone of music education, offering students access to melodies and structures that shaped modern songwriting.

Why we love this

Wasson's arrangement taps into the groove and sophistication that made Chaka Khan's version such a statement, giving your ensemble a chance to inhabit a funkier, more contemporary take on the original. The horn writing is inventive without being unwieldy, and the tune's melodic strength carries through all the new harmonic colors. Your students get to play something recognizable and genuinely fun.

What to expect

Funky and irresistible, with the kind of groove that makes you move. The harmonies add sophistication without losing the tune's inherent catchiness, creating a vibe that feels contemporary and respectful to the original all at once.

Who it's for

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who want to stretch beyond standard swing repertoire. Directors seeking a piece that energizes students and audiences alike while remaining accessible to developing players.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) first. The pocket is everything in this style; once it's locked, the horns and melody will sit naturally on top.
  • Shape the horn riffs as ensemble lines, not as soloistic moments. Think "section sound" rather than feature passages.
  • Bring out the sassy attitude in the phrasing. Let the ensemble lean into the syncopation and push slightly against the straight beat where the arrangement suggests it.

How to use it

Pair this with other pop or rock arrangements to program a themed set around timeless songwriting. It works particularly well as a closer or high-energy moment within a concert, where the audience can connect immediately to the melody while appreciating the ensemble's musicianship.

Skills your students will build

  • Funk and shuffle rhythm interpretation
  • Reading and executing syncopated horn lines in section
  • Balancing ensemble blend with rhythmic precision
  • Understanding how harmonic reharmonization changes the character of a familiar tune

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