Follow the Leader is intended as a fun, up-tempo swing chart that introduces young musicians to stylistic elements echoing classic big band tunes such as Little Brown Jug (in the melodic bass line) or Sing, Sing, Sing (the iconic drum pattern in the opening). The title of the work refers to the way the members of a big band must learn to follow the leader of the respective sections, while the lead players must be confident and provide a strong sense of musical style. It's playable with optional reduced and expanded instrumentations, includes suggested solos and chord symbols, has notated rhythm section parts as well as an optional part for vibes.