The Best of Shorties, Volume 2: E-flat Alto Saxophone Book

López understands what works in a pep band setting: immediate hooks, clear parts that sit well for developing saxophonists, and charts that build energy without technical overload. The variety across these 18 titles means you can program something for nearly any crowd or occasion without sacrificing musical integrity.

Energetic, groove-centered, and unapologetically fun. These arrangements capture the infectious spirit of pop, funk, and classic rock hits while keeping the orchestration lean and the parts singable. There's a snap and swagger to the writing that lifts the ensemble's energy without demanding technical wizardry.

Pep bands and marching ensembles working with Grade 2.5-3 alto saxophonists who need reliable, crowd-pleasing material. Band directors looking to fill short-form performance slots at games, assemblies, or competitions will find immediate value in this collection.

• Lock the rhythm section into a tight pocket. The keyboard and drums anchor these grooves, so your section should lock in behind them rather than pushing ahead.
• Articulate the syncopated hits cleanly. These charts are built on funk and pop rhythms that demand precise, unified attacks on offbeat figures.
• Balance blend with clarity on the melody lines. Even in a pep band context, the alto sax voice should sit naturally in the mix without forcing above the ensemble.
• Keep the tempo steady and energetic. These are designed as burst-of-energy pieces; let the rhythm section maintain the groove and don't allow the band to drag the tempo back.

Build a pep band rotation around these charts. Assign a different title to each home football game or assembly so your ensemble always has something fresh to launch into during time-outs and rallies. The 12-page format makes storage and retrieval simple, and the variety means you can match the musical mood to the occasion.

• Reading syncopated rhythms in groove-based contexts
• Playing cleanly articulated passages in unison and harmony
• Locking tempo with a rhythm section
• Balancing individual voice within a compact ensemble texture
• Responding to fast sectional changes across a variety of musical styles