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

Story's drumset writing balances musical substance with playability. The parts sit comfortably under the hands without sacrificing the character that makes these tunes instantly recognizable. You get grooves that swing, syncopation that locks with the band, and enough variety across 15 charts to keep rehearsals engaging without requiring endless prep time from your section.

These charts capture the swagger of rock, the pocket of funk, the relax of blues, and the swing of jazz standards. You move from the laid-back shuffle of 'Blues in the Night' to the propulsive energy of 'Funkytown' and the crisp march feel of 'Manhattan Beach,' with enough personality in each groove to keep you engaged throughout the book.

Drumset players at early intermediate levels who want real repertoire that builds groove vocabulary and sensitivity to different styles. Band directors seeking a flexible collection that sounds professional for concerts and casual performances without demanding extensive rehearsal investment.

• Nail the pocket with the bass player first. These grooves depend on tight coordination between kick drum and electric bass; lock that relationship before layering in the snare and cymbal colors.
• Listen for the melody in your snare voice. Even in a supportive role, your drum part carries rhythmic hooks that audiences recognize. Commit to the specific stickings and dynamics marked.
• Treat the cymbal colors as orchestration choices, not afterthoughts. Ride vs. hi-hat, crash placement, and wash timing shape the whole section's sound and the energy of each tune.
• Balance dynamics across 15 different grooves. Songs like 'Funkytown' need drive and aggression while 'Sleigh Ride' requires lighter touch. Drill the contrast so you're not playing every chart at the same volume level.

Program these as your bread-and-butter pop and standards set, mixing three or four charts throughout a concert without requiring a separate rehearsal block. The complete instrumentation means you can extract small ensembles for casual events, pep bands, or fundraisers. The grade level allows flexible placement across 2-3 weeks of sectional focus alongside your main concert repertoire.

• Reading and executing multiple groove styles (blues shuffle, rock, funk, swing)
• Coordinating kick drum and snare patterns in tight rhythmic alignment
• Dynamics control and musical shaping across contrasting song styles
• Cymbal color choices and their impact on ensemble balance
• Locking with bass and keyboard parts in groove-based arrangements