The Best of Big and Easy, Volume 2: Tuba Book

This collection gives tuba players real melodic material and rhythmic interest instead of the usual supporting role. The 15 well-known songs mean students recognize what they're playing from the first rehearsal, which builds immediate engagement and confidence on the instrument.

Energetic and fun. These arrangements celebrate familiar melodies with straightforward harmonies and clear rhythmic grooves, letting the tuba line breathe as part of the band's personality rather than hiding in the foundation. Whether you're playing a smooth ballad like Sleigh Ride or driving through Funkytown, the writing keeps you engaged and musically satisfied.

Marching bands and basketball bands looking for reliable pop and rock material that doesn't require a massive sectional rehearsal investment. Tuba players in Grade 2 programs who need charts that showcase the instrument's personality beyond bass line accompaniment.

• Lock your phrasing with the electric bass line; Story's bass parts are intentional and outline the harmonic movement throughout each chart.
• Watch the keyboard player for comping decisions in the more jazz-oriented tunes like Blues in the Night and What'd I Say, and adjust your tone and release timing accordingly.
• Mark breath spots in pencil before the first full run-through, especially in longer phrases like Gonna Fly Now, so you're not scrambling mid-performance.
• On the uptempo funk charts like Funkytown and Jump, keep your tone focused and direct; the drumset will drive the groove, so your job is precision and pocket awareness.

Use this collection to build your basketball season repertoire or to open a spring concert with guaranteed crowd appeal. The Grade 2 level makes these charts practical for mixed-ability marching ensembles, and the keyboard, electric bass, and drums requirement means you can run these with minimal acoustic instrumentation if needed.

• Reading in multiple styles and tempos (swing, funk, straight rock, ballad)
• Blending with keyboard and bass as a rhythm section member
• Sustaining long tones with consistent tone quality across dynamic changes
• Articulation control in funk and uptempo pop contexts
• Listening for harmonic movement cues from the electric bass