The Best of Big and Easy, Volume 2: Horn in F Book

Story strips away unnecessary complications and delivers straightforward, singable parts that let horn players focus on phrasing and tone rather than wrestling with technical passages. The collection pairs recognizable tunes with a rhythm section that does the heavy lifting, making these charts feel more complete and professional than typical Grade 2 fare.

Buoyant and groove-centered. The horn parts sit in a comfortable range and move in ways that feel natural to the instrument, whether you're landing on a classic blues figure, hitting a big pop hook, or swinging through a jazz standard. There's musicality here without pretense.

Horn players in marching bands and smaller ensembles at the Grade 2 level who want to play recognizable, engaging music without spending months in rehearsal. This collection works equally well for groups building confidence and players simply looking to have fun with tunes everyone knows.

• Balance the horn section carefully against the keyboard and bass so your melody sits naturally without forcing the volume. Let the rhythm section anchor the groove.
• Lock in rhythmically with the drumset on the funkier tunes like Funkytown and Jump. The horn section's precision on the backbeat makes or breaks the pocket.
• Shape the ballad lines (Blues in the Night, Sleigh Ride) with attention to breath phrasing. These melodies reward legit singing rather than mechanical note reading.
• On upbeat novelty numbers like The Flintstones and Dragnet, commit to the character without overselling it. The arrangement does the comedic work for you.

Draw from this collection for fall and spring concerts where you want accessible filler that won't compete with more ambitious pieces. The 15 tunes give you flexibility to build themed mini-sets (blues night, TV themes, pop hits) or sprinkle them throughout a season as confidence builders between more demanding repertoire.

• Reading horn parts in standard marching band voicing
• Phrasing and tone production on melody-driven arrangements
• Rhythmic precision in funk and swing grooves
• Quick turnarounds between contrasting musical styles (ballad to uptempo, blues to pop)