The Best of Shorties, Volume 2: Horn in B-flat Book

López's ear for what works in a pep band context is unmatched. These 18 charts hit the sweet spot between accessibility and musicality—players at this level get to sound energized and polished without drowning in technical complexity. The variety means you can program something for nearly every school event without reaching for the same tired set lists year after year.

Pure energy. The selection ranges from dance floor staples ('Conga,' 'Jungle Boogie') to stadium anthems ('Celebration,' 'We Are Family') to beloved theme songs that get immediate crowd recognition. Horn players get to drive the melody in some charts and lock into the feel in others, keeping their parts fresh and engaging throughout the set.

Horn players in marching bands and pep bands at the intermediate level (Grades 2-3) will find a book packed with recognizable tunes they actually want to play. This collection works equally well for concert band settings that want accessible pop and rock charts with real groove.

• Lock the rhythm section first. Get your keyboard, bass, and drums tight before the horns come in; these charts depend on groove-driven accompaniment to land the style authentically.
• Watch the dynamic balance between horn and rhythm. López writes energetic lines that can overshadow the groove if players aren't conscious of support versus solo moments.
• Commit to the style of each chart. 'Blitzkrieg Bop' demands raw energy; 'Hips Don't Lie' needs pocket and swing. Shifting gears between songs keeps the set fresh for your audience.
• Use the short length to your advantage in rehearsal. These pieces are ideal for fast turnaround arrangements—perfect for sectional work or quick-turnaround pep rally programming.

Build a pep band rotation around these 18 charts, cycling them through the season so you're not repeating the exact same set at every game or assembly. The short, punchy length makes them ideal for halftime slots, pep rallies, and spirit events where you need high impact in minimal stage time. You can also pull individual titles into concert band programs when you want contemporary repertoire at this level.

• Reading and executing style-specific articulations (swing eighth notes, syncopated rhythms)
• Balancing individual voice in ensemble groove-based writing
• Quick chart turnover and efficient rehearsal focus
• Understanding melodic versus accompaniment roles across different tune structures