kingAlexander

percussion ensemble

percussion assemble

Concert percussion

PPP 2015

The percussion quartet offers a fun challenge with its extreme dynamic ranges, demanding rudimental control, and ensemble timing and blend.

Continuum (by Ian Briskey)

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

Scuttlebutt (by Jim Casella)

Ellipsis

Katie's Bossa

Strawberry Blonde

Twisted Proverbs

Buena Vista Social Club Full Album

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)

Rite of Passage is an invigorating new work by noted composer/percussionist, Jesse Monkman. Perfect for advanced recitals and percussion ensemble concerts, it is sure to become the smash hit of your program!

This piece is written for solo marimba and three percussionists with multi-percussion setups. It was premiered at Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA featuring Jesse Monkman (soloist/composer), Will Hudgins (Boston Symphony Orchestra), Ed Stephan, and Randy Johnston.

Sheet music available at http://www.tapspace.com


Rite of Passage (Jesse Monkman)

Technology is written for eight percussionists of intermediate to beginning skill levels. Based on a "techno" groove, this piece is sure to be a hit among high school percussion ensembles and audiences alike!

Some parts are written to feature more advanced players (snare, toms, timpani), while other parts are more elementary for less experienced players.

Sheet music available at http://www.tapspace.com


Technology (Jim Casella)

Stormbreak was written by Jim Casella for intermediate ensembles as a sequel of sorts to Technology, another moderately simple piece for percussion octet by Casella that has since become quite popular. Opening with nature-effect sounds, the storm breaks into a rhythmic “tip of the hat” to Technology on the rim of the snare drum. As rhythmic layers add in, the syncopated motif of Stormbreak becomes clear and continues to drive the piece throughout.

Certain parts are more challenging than others, and syncopation is of particular demand. However, numerous repeat bars are used, as the primary goal is to develop the players’ collective ability to understand how their parts groove and interact within the mix of their fellow groove-playing compadres. For more advanced players in the ensemble, solo sections are included which feature timpani, snare drum, and concert toms.

Stormbreak can stand alone as a percussion octet, but it also comes with the option of being played by a full wind ensemble. During wind ensemble concerts, the percussion section can sometimes be relegated to the back. So this option acts as something of a percussion ensemble “feature” that can be programmed into wind ensemble concerts.

This piece comes with a full, bound folio containing a full score with wind ensemble and a separate score for percussion ensemble only. Also included is a CD-Rom containing reference audio recordings and all individual parts available for printing.

Score available from http://www.tapspace.com