The Best of Shorties, Volume 2: Drumset Book

Drumset players finally get charts that don't just keep time but actually showcase groove and feel. López has selected 18 crowd-pleasing titles that work equally well in pep band settings or rehearsal time-outs, and the drumset book stands on its own with real musicality rather than serving as an afterthought.

Energetic and straightforward. These charts lean into the groove of their original songs, whether you're playing through a funk number like Conga or a rock classic like Blitzkrieg Bop. The drumset writing is conversational and clear, letting players focus on locking in rather than deciphering complex notation.

Intermediate drumset players in marching or pep band contexts who need reliable, fun charts that build ensemble playing skills without demanding years of experience. Directors programming pep band shows or rehearsal activities will find these accessible enough for student drummers while engaging enough to keep audiences entertained.

• Lock in the kick and snare together on cues; these are ensemble pieces where the drumset's primary job is anchoring the feel, not soloing.
• Listen for the accents in the bass line to determine where your kicks should punch; López often uses the drumset to reinforce the low end.
• Adjust cymbal dynamics based on the venue size. In a gymnasium, pull back slightly on closed hi-hats to avoid muddiness in the reverb.
• Study the keyboard and bass parts before rehearsal to understand the harmonic rhythm; knowing where the changes happen helps you place your fills intentionally.

Perfect for pep band rotation sets where you need short, self-contained numbers that don't require full ensemble depth. Use individual titles as time-fillers in rehearsal or as quick confidence-builders early in the season before tackling longer charts.

• Locking kick and snare patterns with bass line counterparts
• Reading and executing cues from keyboard and bass parts
• Dynamic control across different groove styles
• Groove orientation and feel in popular music idioms
• Quick chart assimilation and placement accuracy