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From the composer: "Inspired by a quote from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale Thumbelina: 'The witch smiled and returned to her garden of weeds', the piece is an attempt to reconcile and contrast the imagery of the pleasant and not so pleasant and explore the challenge of something 'ugly' being framed as beautiful. The piece is a programmatic attempt at a "reverse chronological soundtrack" as to what the Garden of Eden may look like if stumbled across today: a garden of weeds. Starting with the listener in the present, we find the neglected and forgotten ruins, with brief moments that hint to its former state (ms.1 -33) and then slip backwards (ms. 34- 38). We visit a garden beginning to be overran with thorns, weeds, occasional serpents (ms. 39-63) and then travel all the way back to the pre-Fall paradise (ms. 64-97). The piece then moves forward with the temptation, (ms.98 - 111) his and her apple bites (ms.112-113), unsuccessful hiding and the inevitable consequence (ms. 119 - 127) followed by the famous eviction with the gates slamming shut on the resolve of the final impact.
An arrangement of Claude Debussy's famous piano prelude, this beautiful work requires players with a great sense of nuance and musicality. Fambrough uses many uncommon methods in the piece to create certain delicate sounds.From the composer: "This piece is based on an ancient Breton myth in which a cathedral, submerged underwater off the coast of the Island of Ys, rises up from the sea on clear mornings when the water is transparent. Sounds can be heard of priests chanting, bells chiming, and the organ playing, from across the sea until its eventual return underwater. This arrangement intends to expand on the original piano music through the use of metallic percussion instruments and the implements being used to strike them. Of note - sizzle cymbal and suspended cymbal played with brushes at measure 7, chime rolled with soft yarn mallet along with bowed vibes and crotale at measure 68, and all metal keyboards playing with soft mallets at measure 76. Marimbas should strive for a smooth, organ-like texture in all rolled sections."
Meaning "Gray Clouds", Nuage Gris is certainly a piece not normally associated with percussion ensemble. Moody, dreary, and thin, this piece truly shines when the players display intense moment-to-moment musical nuances.From the composer - "Franz Liszt composed the piece as a work for solo piano. It is one of Liszt's most haunting and at the same time one of his most experimental works. The harmonies, which are very different from those found in his earlier works, give a very dark and almost morbid feel to the piece. It has been described as representing a high point in the experimental idiom with respect to expressive compositional procedure. This arrangement aims to highlight the somewhat static nature of the piece, similar to the original. The cymbals used in the percussion part should be fairly large and dark sounding if possible. With the exception of isolated glockenspiel, chime, and crotale strokes, the ensemble should strive to blend all elements together into a seamless whole, with no instrument being more important than any other, including the piano."
Garage Drummer has become one of the most popular multi-percussion solos in the repertoire because of its accessibility and audience-friendliness. An expansion of the original, this version removes the original recorded accompaniment and puts a chamber percussion ensemble in its place.From the composer - "Garage Drummer was inspired by my memories of rock band jam sessions (commonly known as garage bands) held in various household basements and garages during my career. The occupants of the host household, at first, notice little more than random noises and feedback seeping through the walls of their living room. As the jam session unfolds, the drummer experiments with sounds, grooves, and fills increase with confidence and join a cacophony of wild guitar, bass, and keyboard riffs. As usual, the drummer not only ends up driving the band, but also drives the occupants out of the house! I have to say that I've served on both ends of the experience as a drummer and a parent. Garage Drummer won first place in the 2005 PAS Composition Contest and was premiered by Rob Parks (JBC)."
Percussion Ensemble - Slopes Composed by Paul Rennick
Instrumentation: Snare Drum
Snare Drum Solo with 3 Percussionists
Ensemble Sheet Music Desperate Attitudes Advanced By Gordon Stout 11 Players Desperate Attitudes is already accepted and established as a standard repertoire work. This says it all: In its first year of existence, "Desperate Attitudes" was performed by many of the top college percussion ensembles in the USA. "In your face" mallet parts with a really "urban" edge, but it also has tremendous lyrical and harmonic impact. Should be in every college percussion ensemble library. Spiral-bound score.
Ensemble Sheet Music El Muchacho Cinco ADVANCED 5 Players Instrumentation: Brake Drum, (2) Congas, Hi Hat, Snare Drum, (5) Temple Blocks, Concert Bass Drum, Triangle, (4) Concert Toms, (4) Timpani, Splash Cymbal, 14" Cymbal, (2) 16" Cymbals, 18" Cymbal
Ensemble Sheet Music Marching Season ADVANCED 12-15 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, (2) Marimbas, Vibes, (Optional Vibes 2), Synth Bass, (5) Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Finger Cymbal, Metal Wind Chimes, China Cymbal, Crasher, Ride Cym
Ensemble Sheet Music Tempus ADVANCED 11-13 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, Marimba, Vibes, Chimes, (4) Timpani, Drum Set, Suspended Cymbal, (4) Concert Toms, Triangle, Wind Chimes, Bell Tree, Crotales, Cabasa
Ensemble Sheet Music Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G Minor ADVANCED 13 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, (2) Vibes, (2) Marimbas (1, 4 octave, 1, 4 1/2 octave), (2) Timpani (26", 29"), Chimes, Snare Drum, (2) Tambourines, Claves, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Mark Tree, Triangle, Wood Block, Suspended Cymbal
Ensemble Sheet Music Allegro Barbaro ADVANCED 12-13 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Chimes, Xylophone, 4 & 1/2 Octave Marimba, Vibes, Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum w/ Attached Cymbal, Large Tam Tam, Small Tam Tam, Tambourine, Sizzle cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, (2) Toms, Triangle, Ratchet, Bell Tree, (5) Temple Blocks
Ensemble Sheet Music Slavonic Dance No. 7 ADVANCED 13-15 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, (2) Vibraphones, (2) Marimbas (one 4 1/2 octave), Chimes, (3) Timpani, Snare Drum, Egg Shakers, (2) Triangles, Concert Bass Drum, Finger Cymbals, Crash Cymbals, High & Low Wood Blocks, Headed Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal
Ensemble Sheet Music Alla Turca ADVANCED 9 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, (3) Marimbas (one 4 1/2 octave), (4) Timpani, Triangle, Tambourine, Crash Cymbals, Snare Drum, (2) Temple Blocks, Suspended Cymbal
Ensemble Sheet Music Animations ADVANCED 3 Players Instrumentation: Vibraphone, Marimba, (4) Timpani, (4) Cowbells, Suspended Cymbal, (5) Temple Blocks, Bass Drum, 6", 8", 10", 12" Concert Toms
Ensemble Sheet Music Sabre Dance ADVANCED 11-12 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, Marimba (4 & 1/3 octave, 2 players), Vibes, Piano, (4) Timpani, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Ride Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, (2) Woodblocks, Tambourine, Triangle
Ensemble Sheet Music On the Horizon ADVANCED 6-8 Players Instrumentation: Snare Drum, Triangle, (4) Tonal Drums, Bells, Xylophone, Piano, Tambourine, Hi Hat, Suspended Cymbal, Cowbell
Ensemble Sheet Music Stratus ADVANCED 9-11 Players Instrumentation: Ceramic/Glass/Bamboo Wind Chimes, (2) Large Metal Bowls, Anvil, Bells, Xylophone, Marimba, Vibes (w/violin bow), Chimes, (4) Timpani, Wood Block, Claves, (3) Suspended Cymbals, Bass Drum, (3) Temple Blocks, Gong, Triangle, (3) Toms, Brake Drum, Snare Drum, Crash Cymbals, Ride Cymbal, Sleigh Bells
Ensemble Sheet Music County Clare ADVANCED 6 Players Instrumentation: Xylophone, (2) Marimbas, Vibes, Bass Guitar
Ensemble Sheet Music Nutcracker Sweets MEDIUM-ADVANCED 9-10 Players Instrumentation: Bells, Xylophone, Vibes, (2) 4 Octave Marimbas, (4) Timpani, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum, Tambourine, (2) Wood Blocks, (3) Temple Blocks, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals
This collection includes: Nutcracker Overture Nutcracker March Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Trepak Arabian Dance Chinese Dance Dance of the Reed Pipes Waltz of the Flowers
Ensemble The Devil's Dance Composed by Igor StravinskyArranged by James Ancona
Instrumentation: Glockenspiel, Xylophone, 2 Vibraphones, 2 Marimbas (low A), 5 Timpani, and Multi-percussion (bass drum, snare drum, field drum, tambourine)
The Devil's Dance is a short animated movement from Stravinsky's famous theatrical work Histoire du Soldat. Originally written by Stravinsky for a small instrumental theater ensemble of two woodwinds, two brass, two strings, and one solo percussionist, Ancona has preserved the original intent of this piece in a concert percussion setting of eight players.
Meter changes occur frequently while constantly shifting accents and dissonant harmonies give it a sinister and sarcastic tone.
This piece is published as a saddle-stitch bound score, with a color glossy cover! Individual parts are included.
Ensemble Pieces of Eight Composed by David Reeves
Instrumentation: Glockenspiel, Crotales, 3 Vibraphones, 3 Marimbas (low A), 5 Timpani
Pieces of Eight is a minimalist piece for eight percussionists on pitched instruments. David Reeves has masterfully captured a spiritual essence which evokes emotion in both performers and listeners alike. Some sections are written in strict meter, while other phrases are left to the discretion of the conductor or performers, ensuring a different experience with each performance.
This professionally produced package includes a full bound score in an attractive cover, which houses all individual parts.
Ensemble The Miraculous Mandarin Composed by Béla Bartók Arranged by James Ancona
Instrumentation: glockenspiel, 3 marimbas (low A), xylophone, crotales, 3 vibraphones, 5 timpani, large tam tam, chimes, 2 china cymbals, 18" suspended cymbal, 4 toms, wind gong, medium gong, 2 small gongs of different sizes, dark sus. cym., bright sus. cym., sizzle cym., snare drum, 2 small ZilBells, mounted ratchet
This percussion ensemble arrangement of The Miraculous Mandarin is based upon three movements of Bartok's original work.
The Beginning - A challenging display of technique, timbral variety, and creative orchestration. The Second Seduction - Featuring the vibraphones, this movement creates a rubato, tense beauty. The Chase - A relentless conclusion which drives to the ultimate point of release.
This arrangement will challenge performers, and offers a programatic piece which will showcase the versatility of the percussion ensemble's timbral range. It was first performed by the Santa Clara Vanguard Percussion Ensemble in 2000.
The Miraculous Mandarin comes with a full, bound score and includes all individual parts.
Ensemble Rite of Passage Composed by Jesse Monkman
Instrumentation: 5 octave marimba, 5 toms, 2 mounted tambourines, bongos, vibraphone, 2 snare drums, 3 sus. cyms., china cymbal, Chinese opera gong, 2 bass drums, temple blocks, 5 roto toms, tam tam, brake drum, bell tree
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.
Rite of Passage comes bound with a full, grand staff marimba score with reduced percussion parts. A second score contains all percussion parts with marimba cues, and is supplied for percussion accompanists.
Ensemble Metheny Dream Composed by Pat Metheny / Lyle Mays Arranged by James Ancona
Instrumentation: crotales, glockenspiel, chimes, 3 marimbas (low A), 2 vibraphones, 5 timpani, sizzle cymbal, 16" and 18" suspended cymbals, ride cymbal, mark tree, bongos, small cabasa
This short medley contains themes from "Letter From Home" and "First Circle" by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays. It contains beautiful harmonies and interplay between all players of the ensemble. While the complex meter changes may supply an initial challenge to performers, the end result is a seamless thread of beautiful music with a subtle underlying groove.
This collection was first performed by the Santa Clara Vanguard Percussion Ensemble and was choreographed by George Staib.
Metheny Dream comes with a full, bound score and included all individual parts within an included CD-Rom.
Ensemble Alborada del Gracioso Composed by Maurice Ravel Arranged by James Ancona
Instrumentation: 2 glockenspiel, 3 marimbas (low A), xylophone, crotales, 3 vibraphones, 5 timpani, sizzle cymbal, snare drum, castanets, crotales, triangle, hi-hat crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, tambourine, Zildjian crash of doom, bass drum, tam tam
This percussion ensemble arrangement of Alborada del Gracioso recreates the colorful and vibrant work of Ravel's original. Originally written in 2001 and premiered by the Santa Clara Vanguard percussion ensemble, this arrangement will challenge performers and engage audiences with its accessible Spanish flair.
The middle section features a soloistic marimba cadenza which utilizes advanced 4-mallet rotations and is answered by colorfully scored ensemble interjections.
Alborada del Gracioso comes with a full, bound score and includes all individual parts available for printing on included CD-Rom.
Ensemble Three Preludes Composed by Claude Debussy Arranged by David Reeves
Instrumentation: 1 Vibraphone, 1 Marimba (Low A), 4 Timpani, Crotales
These beautiful arrangements capture the essence of Debussy's most endearing famous piano preludes. A "chamber" piece in the truest sense, these preludes are written for three performers, and requires the utmost in musical sensitivity. Performers will have to maintain a strong command in understanding when the phrases will ebb and flow. Included are:
Bruyeres - Prelude No. V from book II. Des pas sur la neige - Prelude No. VI from book I. General Lavine - Prelude No. VI from book II.
Three Preludes comes with a full, bound score and includes all individual parts available for printing on an included CD-Rom.
Ensemble Katraterra Composed by Jim Casella
Instrumentation: glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba (4 octave), marimba (4.3 octave), 4 timpani, chimes, 4 cowbells, log drum, 2 china cymbals, 5 suspended cymbals, 2 brake drums, 3 woodblocks, 2 triangles, splash cymbal, hi hat, 4 toms, chinese opera gong, kick drum, tambourine, low conga, bongos
Written for nine players, Katraterra is a concert piece which uses a variety of textures, instruments, and techniques to create a driving and intense feel. The 5/8 time signature dominates the groove of Katraterra with three emphasized beats of 1, 3, and the upbeat of 4, creating the motive which drives the 16-note based ostinato and all surrounding melodies. This weaves in and out of other time signatures, but is intended to happen smoothly without obvious perception to when these changes occur. This, along with the inherent syncopations throughout, creates a challenging ensemble atmosphere. With driving solo statements, complex interwoven rhythms, and an organic ostinato to drive it, this piece is sure to offer an intense and entertaining musical experience.
Katraterra comes with a full, bound score and includes all individual parts available for printing on an included CD-Rom.
Ensemble Sheet Music Pictures at an Exhibition Grade 5 ADVANCED 12 Players Instrumentation: Bells (3), vibraphone (2), chimes, xylophone (2) marimba (2) {marimbas can share 1&2, 3&4}, timpani, synthesizer (2), percussion [concert bass drum, snare drum, crash cymbals, suspended cymbals, gong, finger cymbals, triangle, ratchet, slapstick]
Three Movements: Promenade The Hut of Baba Yaga The Great Gate of Kiev
Texas UIL Percussion Ensemble
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Ensemble Sheet Music Finale from Symphony No. 4 Grade 6 EXTREMELY ADVANCED 17 Players Instrumentation: Bells, crotales, vibraphone, chimes, xylophone, marimba (2) {marimbas can share 1&3,2}, timpani, bass guitar, percussion [concert bass drum, snare drum, crash cymbal, suspended cymbal, splash cymbal, finger cymbal, triangle, tambourine, concert toms, gong, wing chimes]
Ensemble Sheet Music Common Times Grade 5 ADVANCED 11 Players Instrumentation: Bells, vibraphone, chimes, xylophone, marimba, timpani, percussion [concert bass drum, snare drum, suspended cymbal, tam-tam, temple blocks, woodblocks (2), shaker] Texas UIL Percussion Ensemble
