One for percussion ensemble Dedicated to Jenna Newman

One is comprised mostly of tremolos performed on different pitched percussion instruments. Which instrument to be performed on (marimba, vibraphone, chimes, etc.) can be determined ahead of time or improvised during the performance.

Each player reads from the score. That way if during the piece two players wish to perform using the same instrument, they can both read the music on the stand in front of that instrument.

Each player is coordinated by stopwatches. The performers are given a pitch and the time it should be played (i.e. between 2:12 and 2:20 an E is written in the score for Player 2). What octave to play the E and what pitched instrument to play it on is up to the performer.

Performers can change octaves in the middle of the time brackets or play two or three E’s simultaneously to make the texture thicker if they wish. As long as they are prepared to switch to their next note when indicated in the score.

When a two note interval is given in the score (i.e. a minor second for Player 1 at 5:54) both notes must be played, but they can be played in either inversion (as a minor second or as a major seventh).

Another VERY IMPORTANT feature is that each pitched note played, whether a short one or a long one, has to start silently and fade in, and then fade out when it ends. To hide it’s entrance and exit. Exactly how loud to make the swell and how quick a swell each note has is up to the spontaneous decision of the player.

Softer mallets should be used generally throughout the piece.

INSTRUMENTATION The piece is designed to be performed on any pitched percussion instruments (marimba, vibraphone, chimes, glockenspiel etc). As well each player has a cymbal to roll at the beginning of the piece and Player 1 has a tam-tam and bass drum to play at the end of the piece. A circle with an x in it appears throughout the piece in each players part. This means to softly strike a cymbal, triangle, or other non-pitched metallic percussion instrument once. The attacks can be with the mallet head, the stick of the mallet or with the performers own fingers.

DURATION The duration of the piece is just over 9 minutes.

OTHER INFORMATION One was premiered by the 4 Gallon Drum percussion quartet of Vancouver, BC in 2001. It is Dedicated to Jenna Newman.

POSSIBLE PERFORMANCE IDEA This piece can be played with everyone in fixed positions with one stand and one stopwatch (i.e. someone on the marimba, someone on the vibes, etc) or with multiple positions set up around the stage. A score and a stopwatch can be setup in many different places and the performers on a whim can travel from one position to another throughout the piece. They can double or triple up on one instrument and have fun with the piece that way.

Also the piece doesn’t need to be only performed by 4 players can more than one person can play a part at once, therefore opening up the piece to larger percussion ensembles.