More Combo Blasters for Pep Band: Part III (F) (Horn in F) Book

López's gift for selecting repertoire that resonates with crowds and arranging it in ways that give every section meaningful parts makes this collection a go-to resource for pep band directors. The mix of iconic rock and pop hits alongside standards ensures your ensemble can connect with both students and audiences, and the writing sits perfectly for horn players at this level without sacrificing musical substance.

A collection that swings and drives with unmistakable groove. From the muscle of 'Bad to the Bone' to the infectious bounce of 'Hot, Hot, Hot,' these arrangements capture the essence of each tune while keeping the energy high and the momentum constant. The horn voice sits comfortably in the middle of the harmonic texture, supporting melody and rhythm with equal presence.

Pep band directors who need dependable, energetic arrangements that work in stadium or gymnasium settings and engage horn players with solid musical material. High school and middle school marching or pep ensembles where horn players want to feel like they're contributing to the band's sound rather than doubling other parts.

• Balance the horn section's sustaining voice against the higher-register material in trumpets and trombones; practice sectionals to lock articulation style across all brass parts.
• Lock in rhythmically with the lower brass and rhythm section during syncopated passages like those in 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You' and 'All Night Long' to keep the ensemble's groove tight.
• Shape longer melodic lines with subtle dynamic contours rather than playing at a single volume; this keeps audiences engaged during ballad-style moments like 'Gonna Fly Now' (Theme from Rocky).
• Use the recorded accompaniment (if available separately) to build comfort with tempo and phrasing before full ensemble rehearsals, especially for unfamiliar charts.

Build your pep band set around 3-4 of these charts paired with original compositions or marching fundamentals to create dynamic game-day performances. Use the variety here strategically: open with a crowd favorite like 'Eye of the Tiger,' plant a moment of pride with 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' and close with the undeniable groove of 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.' Space them throughout your season to keep your book feeling fresh across multiple events.

• Reading and executing rhythmic figures in syncopated popular music styles
• Playing sustained harmonic parts that support melody and bass line simultaneously
• Responding to dynamic and tempo cues in a large ensemble context
• Connecting horn articulation with the broader brass section for cohesive blend
• Sight-reading within a practical, performance-oriented repertoire