Combo Blasters Take 3!: Part IV (E-flat) (Baritone Sax) Book

López understands what makes a marching ensemble tick. These arrangements balance flexibility (playable from four musicians up) with genuine ensemble writing that rewards both the smallest groups and full bands. The song selection spans pop, film, and standards, giving your baritone sax players music they recognize and enjoy learning.

A collection that swings between pop energy, Hollywood glamour, and classic Americana. The baritone sax anchors much of the writing, giving the voice meaningful harmonic and rhythmic responsibility. Expect moments of straightforward groove alongside more intricate section work that keeps the part engaging across all 15 selections.

Baritone saxophonists in marching bands of any size, from small programs looking to keep groups engaged with limited roster to full high school or college ensembles. This part works equally well in rehearsal or on the field since the arrangements accommodate both contexts.

• Lock the rhythmic feel in the opening measures of each tune. López writes with clear harmonic motion that makes lining up intonation easier if the low brass and reeds establish the pulse together early.
• Balance melody against rhythmic accompaniment by listening across the ensemble. Many of these arrangements give the baritone sax grounding figures; make sure those sit underneath, not on top of, the featured voices.
• Approach the syncopated passages in tracks like Conga and Jungle Boogie with precision. Clean, coordinated articulation in the section transforms these from messy to driving.
• Mark your part clearly for dynamics and style changes between tunes. With 15 different tracks, section rehearsals will move faster if each player has highlighted key moments specific to their voice.

Build a pops concert around these arrangements or slot individual selections into halftime shows. The variety and familiarity of the repertoire makes these especially useful for spring concerts or community events where audience recognition adds to the performance energy. The flexible instrumentation also means you can rotate selections based on who shows up to rehearsal on any given day.

• Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures across multiple styles
• Intonation control in harmonic foundation roles
• Articulation clarity in rhythmically driven arrangements
• Flexibility between concert and marching contexts
• Style awareness and interpretation across pop, jazz, and traditional genres