PopShowcase for Solo or Band: Keyboard Percussion Book

Bullock understands exactly what beginning keyboard percussionists need to play successfully with their band without getting bored. The dual arrangement structure (solo or ensemble) gives you flexibility to feature strong players while keeping less advanced ones engaged through ensemble playing, and the correlation to Levels 1 and 2 of the Belwin method means your students encounter material they already know how to read.

These are songs students know and love, arranged to sit comfortably under the hands of young malletists. The keyboard percussion parts maintain the recognizable melodic contours and energy of the originals while staying within the rhythmic and technical scope of beginning players, creating moments where the percussion section genuinely leads the band instead of accompanying it.

Beginning keyboard percussionists in concert band programs using Belwin 21st Century Band Method, Levels 1 and 2. This book also works alongside any other recognized beginning band method, making it accessible to programs following different curricula.

• Balance the keyboard percussion line with the band by having your players listen for the melody in the full band arrangement and adjust dynamics accordingly. Many of these songs are familiar, so students may overcorrect by playing too loudly.
• In the solo arrangements, the snare and bass drum parts provide rhythmic support. Rehearse those parts separately with your keyboard percussion players so everyone locks into a unified foundation before adding the full band.
• Use the recorded accompaniment to help keyboard percussionists hear how their part sits within the texture, especially in arrangements where they carry the lead melody.

Use this collection as a motivation and confidence builder midway through your beginning band year, when students are ready to tackle solo ensemble passages but still need support from the full band. These titles work equally well in pops concerts, end-of-year celebrations, or regular concert programs looking for approachable contemporary repertoire that engages audiences without overshadowing your students' developing skills.

• Reading single-line and unison keyboard percussion parts
• Balancing percussion melody against full band accompaniment
• Ensemble listening and rhythmic precision with snare and bass drum parts
• Dynamic control across a range of contemporary genres
• Transitioning between solo, small ensemble, and full band textures