BOOMERANG
for Percussion Ensemble
available now at c-alanpublications.com
OUTBACK SUITE
for Marimba
available now at c-alanpublications.com
“Outback Suite” is a suite of three pieces that can be performed together or as short standalone works. Each movement eliciting a scene from the beautiful and diverse Australia.
Filling a void in early four mallet literature, these pieces focus on developing core four mallet technique while sounding like recital works rather than etudes. Utilizing a 4 octave range, these pieces are accessible to most marimbists.
The driving rhythms of Boomerang focus on the double vertical stroke as well as single independent strokes, while the joyous melodies of K’gari (the world’s largest sand island) concentrate on combining double lateral strokes with double verticals. The Never, Never (the vast remote area of the Australian Outback) uses a free rhythmic style to enhance the players musicianship in performing four mallet rolls and using rubato phrases to express themselves musically.
Adapted from the first movement of “Outback Suite” for 4 mallet marimba, “Boomerang” has been expanded for percussion ensemble. Beginning with driving rhythms reminiscent of the Outback, shifting to a delicate melody that is passed around the ensemble, and ending with a return of the original theme. This piece is scored for 8-10 players and is a perfect fit for programs teaching a combination of students at a variety of experience levels.
RHYTHM CELL
for Percussion Ensemble
available now at c-alanpublications.com
A cell in music is a “small rhythmic or melodic design that can be isolated, or can make up one part of a thematic context.” Rhythm Cell uses a combination of the Cuban cinquillo and Brazilian influences to form a rhythmic cell that starts the work and forms a basis for the melodic material that follows. Beginning with fun hand claps and snaps, each player moves individually to their instrument to begin their thematic material.
READY PLAYER 4
6 progressive quartets for developing Percussion Ensemble
available now at c-alanpublications.com
Ready Player 4 is a collection of quartets designed to elevate the playing level of your percussionists by introducing students to ensemble playing as well as several new techniques, like thumb rolls, crush buzzes, muted triangle, etc. that they might not be exposed to in the concert band setting. Six quartets at three levels, battery and mixed instrumentation, allow for a variety of instruments, configuration, and skill.
STAMPEDE
for Percussion Ensemble
available now at c-alanpublications.com
The mascot for the Summerfield Charter Academy is the Stampede and their motto is 'Better Together’ which inspired this piece. Stampede begins with the galloping rhythm of the stampede getting closer and more energetic. The middle section shares a melody among all four players on bells. Each player is only responsible for their few notes, but when combined, create a beautiful lullaby, solidifying that the players are truly better together. Stampede is a lively piece for young percussionists and a wonderful introduction to mallet playing for a first ensemble piece. It is perfect for band programs that require bell kits and want to get the students excited about playing mallet instruments.
The Jivaro are the indigenous people of northern Peru and Ecuador, living in the tropical rain forests where the Andes mountain range meets the Amazon headwaters. Despite an historical warlike reputation, their modern culture provides a rich mythology belonging to a spiritual and mystical world. Daily life revolves around family, hunting, and agriculture.
This piece begins with the listener exploring the rain forest, listening for the sounds of rain amid the variety of calls from animals and insects. The ensemble transitions to the hunt, where the huntsmen stalk their pray with blow guns and poisoned darts. Back in the village, families harvest and prepare food as the fugue statement in the mallets recall children playing. Finally, the warrior’s theme is introduced in the battery to escalate the music and propel the listener to the jungle again.
Written for the Pittsford Middle Schools Combined Percussion Ensemble (Scott Quinlan, Director)
