The Best of Shorties, Volume 2: Horn in F Book

This collection gives horn players exactly what they deserve in a shorties book: strong, singable melodic lines paired with tight ensemble rhythm sections (keyboard, electric bass, drums) that make every chart feel complete and performance-ready. López's selections span genres and eras, from movie themes and pop hits to funk classics and patriotic standards, so your band can program these across any type of event without repetition fatigue. The 18-chart variety means you can pull one out for a pep band slot, a concert closer, or a quick warm-up without needing separate books.

Pop radio meets the concert hall. Each chart pulses with energy and personality, whether you're tackling the swagger of "All Star," the funk groove of "Jungle Boogie," or the bombast of the "Batman Theme." There's a lightness and confidence to these arrangements that lifts horn players out of the typical supporting role and gives them real melodic presence.

Horn players in middle school and early high school bands who need accessible, fun repertoire that sounds polished in a short time. These charts work equally well for pep band contexts, where horn sections often get buried, and concert settings where you want immediate gratification. Teachers seeking a reliable resource of recognizable material for special events and seasonal programming will find this collection indispensable.

• Balance your sound against the keyboard and bass parts. In these shorter charts, the horn section carries melodic weight, so claim your space without overpowering the rhythm section.
• Lock your articulation and phrasing with the other horns. Because these pieces are short and punchy, consistent tonguing and breath placement create immediate impact.
• Treat dynamic contrasts seriously. With only a few phrases per chart, exaggerated dynamics between the head and any repeat sections keep the music from sounding flat.
• Sit comfortably in the key and listen for intonation shifts in the middle register, especially on pieces with sustained chords that sit lower on the horn.

Pull individual charts for pep band slots during football games, pep rallies, and assemblies without the burden of programming a full work. Mix and match selections across a concert program to create thematic sets (movies, pop hits, classics) that keep the audience engaged between longer pieces. These work particularly well as quick-hit openers or closers that showcase your ensemble's ability to connect with popular music.

• Reading and executing short, snappy phrase endings with precision
• Balancing melodic line with rhythm section accompaniment
• Coordinating horn section articulation and phrasing across multiple musical styles
• Building confidence in playing recognizable material under performance conditions
• Managing sustained middle-register intonation in ensemble contexts