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

This collection pulls together 15 instantly recognizable tunes that audiences genuinely want to hear, eliminating the rehearsal-heavy preparation that often derails marching season. Story's arrangements respect the xylophone's character while keeping the part musically satisfying, and the inclusion of keyboard, electric bass, and drumset creates a complete sonic foundation that makes every rehearsal feel like a real performance.

These arrangements bubble with energy and fun. Whether you're bouncing through "Funkytown" or delivering the sharp, punchy precision of "Dragnet," the writing captures the infectious character of each tune while keeping the xylophone part grounded and playable. There's a real sense of swing and groove throughout the collection.

Marching bands and percussion sections at the Grade 2 level will find this book immediately useful, whether you're building a complete front ensemble or adding color to a smaller program. Xylophonists who know these pop standards and classic tunes gain the confidence that comes from playing music their audiences recognize and enjoy.

• Maintain clarity in the melodic line by controlling your mallet weight; these songs live and die on clear articulation of well-known melodies.
• Lock your rhythmic figures with the drumset from the first rehearsal, especially in syncopated passages where the xylophone drives the groove.
• Use the keyboard player as your anchor for blend; adjust your volume and tone to sit comfortably within the harmonic texture rather than over it.
• Work through any rapid passagework slowly enough to nail the muscle memory before bringing it up to tempo; familiarity with the tune won't help if your hands aren't ready.

Use this book as an anchor for your marching season warm-up or as a complete concert suite that requires minimal additional rehearsal time. These selections work particularly well as your opening or closing numbers, where you want maximum audience engagement and minimal technical barriers to success.

• Clear articulation of syncopated rhythms
• Blending mallet percussion within a rhythm section
• Reading and executing idiomatic pop and swing grooves on xylophone
• Interpreting jazz and blues inflections in melody lines
• Coordinating ensemble groove across keyboard, bass, and drums