U.Play.Plus: Pops: Percussion Book

López has arranged songs that students actually want to play, and he's done it without sacrificing musicianship. The two-line score design means a small group can sound full while still giving every percussionist a meaningful part, and the harmony construction allows ensembles to grow organically as more players join in.

These arrangements pulse with contemporary energy. Whether students are driving the rhythm section on 'Eye of the Tiger' or finding their voice in the layered harmonies of 'You Raise Me Up,' the music stays vibrant and engaging throughout.

Percussion students in middle school and early high school programs who benefit from playing recognizable songs alongside their instrumental colleagues in mixed ensembles. Teachers will find this book invaluable for bridging the gap between percussion-only exercises and ensemble integration.

• Listen to the demonstration track first as a group so everyone hears the groove and phrasing before rehearsing. This saves time and builds confidence.
• Lock the rhythm with the recorded accompaniment during early rehearsals; once the parts are secure, rehearse without it to develop independence.
• Balance your percussion lines so the melody (line A) cuts through the harmonic parts. This prevents the arrangement from becoming muddy.
• Adjust your instrumentation based on what you have available. Cue notes ensure no part gets left behind even if certain percussion voices aren't present.

Use these titles as stepping stones when introducing mixed instrumental ensembles. Start with smaller groupings using just the rhythm section accompaniment, then gradually add woodwinds and brass as confidence builds. They work equally well as standalone pop concert items or as interludes within more traditional programs.

• Reading two-line scores with flexible instrumentation
• Balancing melody and harmony parts in mixed ensemble contexts
• Coordinating rhythmic parts with recorded accompaniment
• Adapting parts based on available instrumentation using cue notes
• Interpreting pop and rock grooves with percussive precision