This tugs at my heartstrings for absolutely no reason other than it is beautifully crafted. A truly splendid work.

Composed by Clifton Taylor for solo marimba with percussion ensemble. Solo performed by Jason Baker, percussion ensemble audio electronically rendered by Tapspace Publications.

Concertpiece For Marimba and Percussion Ensemble

Sheet music available from Tapspace at http://www.tapspace.com.

Some Things - Mvt. 3 (Eric Willie)

Big Country is a catchy and inspired composition by world renowned banjo picker and jazz musician Béla Fleck from the album Left of Cool by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Its simple melody encapsulates the folksy sound of Americana, and Olin Johannessen's arrangement wonderfully captures this through his scoring for percussion ensemble.

Featuring 4-mallet independent techniques for marimbas and xylophone, Fleck's original banjo part transfers well to percussion ensemble. This arrangement also features a small rhythm section (drumset and bass guitar) to drive the two-step feel and includes optional parts for soprano sax (inspired by the original) as well as a couple optional basic marimba parts (in addition to main marimbas) for larger ensembles. Also, the xylophone and glockenspiel parts are written so that one player can cover both parts which may be useful for smaller groups.

This is a very accessible piece, but it does require a good level of technical proficiency from marimba and xylophone players. It can be something of a 4-mallet workout and requires a relaxed and smooth approach to the instrument. As Johannessen states in the performance notes, "This piece is about making people feel good." Big Country is sure to be a welcome addition to your next percussion ensemble concert.

Sheet music available from http://www.tapspace.com

Big Country (Fleck; arr. Olin Johannessen)

The title It's in 4 comes in the form of an answer to a question that was posed during a parade in which this cadence was utilized to "coordinate" the footsteps of the performers. In this case, the performers were the members of the Santa Clara Vanguard, the questioner was an SCV staffer (who shall not be named), and the "questionee" was drumline instructor Murray Gusseck. The dialog went something like this: "That sounds like $&#. What $*%*#@^ meter is that in??"

Gusseck's answer became the new name for the cadence. And now It's in 4 has been refurbished and shined up with new life for your listening and downloading pleasure. Clocking in at over two minutes, this behemoth has some old school and some new school mixed together that would challenge anyone. The piece has been tweaked for increased playability and less ticks, so don't be afraid to dive in and start swimming.


It's in 4 (Murray Gusseck)

"POOF! You're loose!" was what Scott Johnson used to say to the members of SCV's 1992 drumline when they complained about needing to warm up. This old-school 60-second warmup was then marching member Murray Gusseck's tip of the aussie to Scott and the gang. Don't let the phrase "old-school" fool you though...POOF! runs the rudimental gamut in short order, so have your chops at the ready!

POOF! (Murray Gusseck)

The word "scintilla" was originally Latin for "spark." It is currently defined on dictionary.com as a minute amount; hint, trace, or particle. Newcomer Andrew Ziehm's Scintilla for marching battery ensemble has a hint of some spark, alright…lots of it. The phrase, "It's all in the details" seems apropos when listening to this sophisticated work by a very young composer.

The piece effortlessly mixes 6/8, 4/4, and 7/8 and keeps dancing the whole time. Particularly scintillating bits are during the 6/8 sections where the interplay between snares, tenors, basses, AND cymbals create not so much a theme as a vibe. Very cool stuff!


Scintilla (Andrew Ziehm)

Josh Brickey raises the battery etude bar a couple notches higher with Seven Is Heaven. Brickey masterfully weaves in and out of 7/8 time in a way that is at once both complicated and groovy. Performers must master both density and dynamics in order to get a grip on the piece. From start to finish, you'll get more than your fill of notes with this one…and a healthier understanding of odd time signatures to boot. Kudos Josh!


Seven Is Heaven (Josh Brickey)

Champion snare drummer Jeff Queen serves up a juicy plate of "get some" with this new parking lot jam for battery entitled Uncle Ted. Performers will have all aspects of their playing challenged--dynamics, density, and rhythmic integrity. Audiences will have their minds blown. Written in the spirit of early 90's warmups (only in 7/8 this time!), the piece goes from single-hand sections to chop-busting hybrid rudiment phrases the whole family can enjoy…especially Uncle Ted! Those swung 16ths are for you buddy!

Big Country (Fleck; arr. Olin Johannessen)

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