The Best of Big and Easy, Volume 2: Bass Drum Book

This collection gives you 15 recognizable, crowd-pleasing charts without the setup burden of teaching intricate parts or complex rhythms. The bass drum book itself is beautifully proportioned for someone who needs to lock in the low end without getting buried in notation; Story's voicings give the percussion section room to breathe and feel the groove rather than fight it.

These charts groove. Whether it's the funk of 'Bad to the Bone' or the swagger of 'Dragnet,' Story's arrangements capture the essence of each tune with straightforward, infectious rhythms that make the bass drum player feel like they're driving the entire show. There's nothing pretentious here; it's music built for joy and movement.

Marching bands at the Grade 2 level, especially programs looking to expand their setlist without extensive rehearsal investment. This collection also works well for ensembles performing at community events, parades, or informal competitions where a tight, energetic set is more important than technical complexity.

• Establish the pulse with consistent subdivisions, especially in the shuffle and swing feels that appear across several charts. Let the keyboard and bass lock into your pocket before adding dynamic color.
• Balance articulation between the bass drum and any optional tonal drums (if your program uses them). The four-pitch option adds texture, but clarity of the fundamental beat should always come first.
• Listen closely to the front ensemble's rhythmic placement in pieces like 'Funkytown' and 'Jump,' where syncopation can drift if the percussion section isn't actively tracking together.
• Work dynamics and space into each chart early; Grade 2 repertoire often succeeds or fails based on whether students play all 16 pages with the same energy. Vary intensity between sections to keep the audience engaged.

Use this collection to fill a pops concert or community performance with minimal rehearsal overhead. The mix of tempos and styles means you can sequence these to maintain audience interest, and the recognizable titles make for easy program notes. This is also ideal as a confidence builder early in the season when technique sections are still forming.

• Maintaining steady tempo across multiple chart styles and feels
• Reading and executing rhythmic patterns in shuffle, swing, and straight-eighth figures
• Balancing dynamic control and articulation in an ensemble context
• Coordinating with keyboard and bass players to establish groove and pocket
• Adapting performance energy and expression between Grade 2 charts of varying tempo and style