Rochambeaux by Brian S. Mason

Instrumentation: 3 vibraphones, 3 marimbas (low A), timpani, bass guitar, drum set, djembe, vibra slap, 4 suspended cymbals, crotales (1 octave), mark tree, triangle, African claves, 2 gong drums, 2 shekeres, woodblock. An additional marimba can be used for lead/solo setup

Written for the Phantom Regiment percussion ensemble, Rochambeaux was awarded first prize in the 2001 DCI percussion ensemble competition. The dominating 7/8 feel, flashy keyboard runs, and ethnic modalities drive the three distinct sections of this groove-based work.

As an option, an 11th player may be added as a featured marimba soloist. There is a separate part for this optional soloist which can be featured over an elongated treatment of the slower, middle phrase. Other solos may be traded among some (or all) other performers during the 6/8 African section ensuring that no two performances of this piece will ever be the same. Certain to garner audience appeal!

Rochambeaux comes with a full, bound score and includes an MP3 recording and all individual parts available for printing on included CD-Rom. Various performance notes are also included to help with suggested sticking patterns.

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