The Best of "Shorties": Auxiliary Percussion Book

These 16 arrangements solve a real scheduling challenge: you need exciting, recognizable music that your percussion section can learn and perform in minimal rehearsal time. López keeps the essential groove and energy of each tune intact while stripping away unnecessary complexity, making these perfect for moments when you need an instant crowd-pleaser without weeks of rehearsal.

Infectious and fun. These are songs your students already know, so they can focus on nailing the groove and enjoying the performance energy. The arrangements balance familiarity with just enough musicianship to keep the section engaged.

Marching band auxiliary percussion sections (mallets, drumline, cymbals, and frontline) who need reliable, crowd-approved music for quick rehearsals and high-visibility moments. This book works for programs ranging from competitive bands to community and scholastic groups seeking quick wins.

• Nail the pocket from the first run-through. These arrangements live on groove and timing, not complexity, so lock in the fundamental pulse before layering the full arrangement.
• Keep the energy consistent even during shorter passages. The effectiveness of these tunes depends on maintaining intensity throughout, not just at the obvious peaks.
• Use the 12-page format to your advantage by rehearsing one chart at a time in focused 10-minute blocks rather than trying to learn multiple pieces in one session.
• Pay attention to the sticking patterns early. Many of these grooves rely on specific technical choices that create the signature sound; don't assume you can play them by ear.

Load these into your stands rotation for time-outs, pep rallies, and halftime entertainment when you need something that lands immediately with the crowd. They also work as morale builders during heavy rehearsal weeks or as confidence-building material for younger section members joining the line.

• Locking in syncopated rhythms and contemporary grooves
• Reading percussion parts written for multiple instruments within one chart
• Executing clean sticking and mallets technique on recognizable patterns
• Balancing precision with the expressive energy of popular music styles