The Best of Shorties, Volume 2: Keyboard Book

This collection delivers instant gratification without sacrificing musicianship. The 18 charts span recognizable hits and cultural touchstones that engage audiences immediately, while López's keyboard voicings and rhythmic precision give players real material to sink their teeth into at a manageable level.

Crisp, fun, and unapologetically celebratory. These arrangements channel the energy of classic party anthems, stadium moments, and pop radio hits, with bright keyboard textures and infectious grooves that invite players to lock in and enjoy themselves.

Keyboard players in pep bands, marching bands, and light show ensembles who want immediate-impact charts that showcase personality without heavy technical demands. This book works equally well for players who read standard notation and those still building fluency at this grade level.

• Lock the kick drum and keyboard rhythms together; these charts rely on tight rhythmic unison between percussion and keyboard to hit their stride.
• Keep the keyboard tone bright and percussive on the funkier pieces (Conga, Jungle Boogie, Gonna Make You Sweat) to cut through the ensemble.
• Voice the comping patterns clearly during softer passages like the opening of Sing, Sing, Sing; resist the urge to fill every beat.
• Work the electric bass part closely with the keyboardist; these arrangements thrive when that bottom end sits in the pocket with solid time.

Build a pep band set around these shorter pieces; their time-out length (three to five minutes each) makes them ideal for halftime, football game breaks, or basketball games where quick turnarounds matter. Mix a few Shorties charts with one longer feature to create a varied 20-minute package.

• Playing stock keyboard rhythmic patterns (comping, groove fills, accompaniment textures)
• Listening and locking to electric bass and kick drum in funk and pop idioms
• Adapting touch and tone for different musical styles (rock, funk, Latin, swing)
• Reading and executing simple syncopated rhythms across multiple tempos
• Responding to visual cues from the ensemble and working on quick transitions between contrasting charts