The Best of Shorties, Volume 2: Snare Drum Book

This collection gives snare drummers real moments to shine across 18 recognizable titles without asking them to sit out during full-ensemble pieces. López balances rhythmic variety and contemporary relevance; you get athletic grooves alongside classic material, all scaled appropriately for intermediate drummers who are still building consistency and musicality.

Energetic and instantly familiar. These are songs audiences recognize and enjoy, arranged with driving beats and clear rhythmic hooks that keep both the drummer and the crowd engaged. The collection balances funk and rock sensibilities with accessible technical demands, creating a fun, high-confidence performance experience.

Snare drummers in Grades 2-3 marching ensembles, pep bands, and contest programs who are ready for contemporary grooves and styles beyond traditional snare rudiments. This book works equally well for directors building a flexible short-form repertoire for game day performance or teaching snare students to navigate different musical idioms.

• Lock the kick pattern and bass line early in rehearsal. The snare's role often doubles or complements the kick, so establishing that pocket together sets up cleaner ensemble time.
• Isolate the snare part before running the full charts. Many of these grooves sit busier than traditional marching snare writing, so individual prep prevents rushing during sectionals.
• Treat dynamics as part of the arrangement, not an afterthought. López writes with dynamic contrast built in; honoring these shifts shapes the overall energy trajectory of each short.
• Record yourself on a few of the trickier titles. Hearing back your own execution on unfamiliar grooves accelerates progress and builds confidence.

Build a pep band rotation by mixing two or three of these shorts into each halftime or pre-game slot, allowing the snare section to rotate featured grooves throughout the season. Alternatively, string several together for a concert-style medley that showcases drumming texture without requiring a full marching band instrumentation.

• Reading and executing contemporary drum grooves (funk, rock, pop)
• Coordinating snare patterns with kick drum and bass line
• Playing with controlled dynamics and musical phrasing
• Adapting to style-specific articulation and feel
• Building stamina for time-out length performance demands