Combo Blasters for Pep Band: Part IV (E-flat) (Baritone Sax) Book

Wasson's arrangements strike a genuine balance between playability and musicality. The concept of scaling from four players to full band means you're not stuck with one instrumentation choice; you can build the chart around who shows up, which is the real problem pep bands solve every season. The rock rhythm section foundation keeps the energy high while giving students a tangible groove to lock into.

These are the songs that get people on their feet. The collection moves between the patriotic gravitas of The Star-Spangled Banner and pure dance-floor energy (Macarena, Tequila, Celebration), with classic rock staples anchoring the middle. There's a party atmosphere underneath it all, even when the arrangement is straightforward.

Pep band directors who need flexible, crowd-pleasing charts that don't require a full roster. Baritone sax players at the high school level will find accessible voicings that sit comfortably in the instrument's practical range while still contributing real harmonic and rhythmic weight to the ensemble.

• Lock the baritone sax line into the kick drum and bass guitar from the rhythm section (or the CD accompaniment). Your clarity in the low end makes or breaks the pocket on these rock tunes.
• Listen through the entire arrangement before rehearsal to identify which charts feature your part prominently versus supporting role. Tequila and Smoke on the Water sit higher in the mix; adjust your dynamics accordingly.
• On the ballad material (The Star-Spangled Banner, Sing Sing Sing), shape phrases with a legit concert band approach even though the surrounding charts are rock-based. The stylistic shift is part of the pep band appeal.
• If using the CD accompaniment, rehearse with it enough to feel confident. Pep band gigs often happen with minimal rehearsal time, so familiarity with the recorded rhythm section saves you on the sidelines.

Use individual charts for football games, pep rallies, and halftime shows throughout the season. The variety means you can rotate selections based on crowd engagement and student energy levels. Pair them with concert band repertoire at a mixed program to show range, or stack several back-to-back at a rally to build momentum.

• Reading and performing rock rhythms in ensemble context
• Locking rhythm section parts with accompaniment recordings or live drums and bass
• Managing dynamics across styles (ballad versus high-energy rock)
• Sight-reading with flexible instrumentation (adapting to smaller/larger group configurations)