U.Play.Plus: More Pops: Percussion Book

This book transforms recognizable pop and rock hits into accessible percussion writing that keeps rhythm sections engaged without oversimplifying the material. The two-line score format lets percussionists add harmonic depth by layering parts, turning what could be a routine accompaniment into a collaborative arrangement where every player matters.

These are the songs you know from radio and movies, now reimagined for ensemble play. Energetic and contemporary, they pulse with groove and personality while remaining straightforward enough to learn quickly and perform confidently.

Percussion students in intermediate bands and flexible ensembles who are ready to play more than single-line parts. Directors working with mixed instrumentation will find this book invaluable for including percussionists in arrangements without writing separate parts for each group.

• Establish the groove early by locking the bass line and kick drum pattern before adding layered percussion parts; once the foundation is solid, the B, C, and D lines will sit cleanly on top.
• Balance mallets and hand percussion so that melodic lines sung or played by other instruments cut through; use dynamic shaping to highlight moments where the percussion carries the harmonic weight.
• Rehearse transitions between parts when adding or removing players mid-piece; cue notes make this seamless, but clear communication between sections prevents dropouts.
• Pay attention to the rhythmic style of each tune (swing feel for some, straight 8ths for others) and adjust articulation accordingly so the percussion part drives the ensemble's overall pocket.

Program one or two titles as part of a pop or movies concert to demonstrate how percussion contributes to modern arrangements. These songs also work well for pep band, jazz band concerts, or end-of-year performances where accessible, audience-friendly music keeps ensemble morale high.

• Reading two-line scores and coordinating with other harmonic parts
• Rhythmic precision in pop and rock styles
• Part independence when adding and subtracting layers within a single arrangement
• Dynamic balance between rhythmic accompaniment and ensemble melody