Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.784338 Composed by Joshua Hauser. Instructional. Score and parts. 38 pages. Slide Ride #5288673. Published by Slide Ride (A0.784338). 1 Octave Scale Studies in 15+ keys for 4-part ensembles of like or mixed instruments If this is your first exposure to these scale studies, you are in for a treat! Donuts, if you make a mistake!The initial incarnation of these studies were written for trombone quartet and we would play them in the Tennessee Tech Trombone Choir with the challenge that whomever made the first mistake had to buy donuts for the rest of the ensemble. Since then I have brought that version to several clinics and warm up sessions. One time before I got to explain the title, a fellow trombone professor said, Oh, I get it! Don’t step in the holes!I only wish I had thought of that myself... Since we have one of the best donut shops in TN here in Cookeville, treating the studio to sugar coated goodies was always my intent.As with those initial exercises, you can vary these as much as you’d like.·     Choose a tempo.·     Choose a dynamic.·     Choose an articulation/style.One way I like to play these is to have one person be the model, playing the entire scale over and over while everyone else plays the fragmented versions. That helps everyone to keep on track and stay in time. Double or triple up the parts for ensemble cohesion with a larger group.Practice one key, gradually speeding it up to improve fluidity, or choose a variation and take it through all keys, playing version A, B, C, or D then skipping to play the same set in a new key.If you want an additional challenge, play them in different octaves or change the key. Play the F Major set in f minor (all forms), different modes, etc. Players really have to be on their toes to remember if they are playing melodic minor in the ascending or descending form! For jazz players, try swinging them in dorian or mixolydian modes.The variations are endless!If you are using these with transposing instruments, 1) is F Major in Concert Pitch, 2) is Bb Major in Concert pitch, and so on. When you reach a scale that is enharmonic for another key (Db/C#, Gb/F#, or Cb/B), they are presented in both keys for each instrument so Trumpets can play in Eb while the Flutes are playing in C# with similar examples for all keys.All Donut Etudes with the same volume number are compatible so you can play them in mixed quartets or large ensembles with one or more instruments/people on part 1 and a different instrument on part 2, etc. Since the quartets are all identical, conductors/coaches can use any of the scores to tell which part should be playing at what time. Once you have played a scale with one set of parts, everyone can rotate to a different part and play the same scales again!Enjoy!

Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1014474 By Enya. By Enya. Arranged by Kevin McChesney. Celtic,Irish,New Age. Score and parts. 12 pages. Kevin McChesney #4763319. Published by Kevin McChesney (A0.1014474). An exciting arrangement of one of the most popular songs of all time! 3-7 octaves. Level 3. Includes permission to make up to 15 copies for use in purchaser's program only.For a live performance by The Pikes Peak Ringers, go to https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&v=809242522462821

Percussion Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.711306 Composed by Francisco Tarrega. Arranged by Tsuyoshi Yoroiguma. Concert,Romantic Period,Standards,World. Score and parts. 10 pages. Tsuyoshi Yoroiguma #4413645. Published by Tsuyoshi Yoroiguma (A0.711306). This Spanish music is well known as a masterpiece of a work for guitar.This music is arrenged for Xylophone and Marimba.Tone ranges of instruments are as follows;Xylophone:C4～E6, Marimba:C3～C5Players require to use tremolo technique.PDF file includes 5 pages of score and 5 pages of parts.Playing time is 3min 35sec.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.937755 Composed by Dan Heslink. Contemporary,World. Score and parts. 128 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5983475. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.937755). Alexandriana for percussion ensemble (12 performers)            by Dan Heslink   The term Alexandriana is popularly used to reference the Great Library of antiquity in Alexandria, Egypt. Rooted in Alexander the Great’s global military and exploratory exploits (334 - 323 BCE), the library symbolizes the ancient Greek ever expanding worldview, especially under the influence of Alexander and his tutor, Aristotle. Alexander died long before construction of the Ancient Museum and Library of Alexandria, but the concept of a universal library was uniquely his.  The mixing of Hellenistic columns with Egyptian architecture and the housing of thousands of scrolls in Greek, Turkish, Babylonian, Egyptian and Hebrew, intensify the division of the library broadly into two large sections, one for eastern knowledge and one for western knowledge. In this musical score, typically western is the thematic concept (expressed most clearly in the chimes), the tonal, triadic-based harmony and sectional concept of form.  The music’s sectional nature parallels the library’s different rooms, each containing their own genre of knowledge (history, mathematics, poetry, etc.) Evocative of eastern musical practices are the simultaneous layers of different rhythmic subdivisions, oriental modes, and florid lines in the xylophone and vibe parts. In this score, eastern musical procedures are expressed with instruments commonly found in the Western orchestra or wind band.  The performers are encouraged to always emphasize the score’s contrasts. Passages for indefinitely pitched percussion featuring the song within the drums contrast with other passages of purely quantitative rhythm. Complexity in the interaction of parts contrast with simple rhythmic unison. Passages of thick harmony contrast with modal monophonic melodies accompanied only by indefinitely pitched sounds. Overall, there is a wide dynamic range.  During long passages of gradually accruing energy, take care to not build dynamics too quickly, and during fortissimo passages, drums should be stroked in a manner that avoids excessive aggression. The rhythmic background of 16th notes must be consistent among all players so that interlocking rhythmic motifs are consistent. Often the tom-toms have melodic passages that imitate the shape of mallet or timpani melodies. Tune the drums for a warm, round sound and select mallets accordingly. Bar percussion players should apply a flowing legato to their passage work. Soft sections are intended to sound mysterious: be sure to use mallets that match that character.  The composer assigns a performance level of difficult to this work. Performance time is 9:15. The composer, Dan Heslink, can be reached at dan@dheslink.com.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.935389 Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 18 pages. Pharaoh Publications #6117159. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935389). Christmas Calypso for Percussion Sextet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Dan Heslink  The calypso style referenced in the title is not the calypso of Afro-Caribbean music from Trinidad and Tobago. Rather, it is the especially toned-down but still rhythmic commercial variant popularized by folk singers. Couched in this style, the arrangement offers Christmas favorites Deck the Halls, Angels We Have Heard On High, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Good Christian Men, Rejoice.  This if one of two versions of the calypso arrangement by Dan Heslink, both of which are available through Sheet Music Plus. The other arrangement, percussion sextet, follows similar musical contours and is available separately. Both versions are intended to elicit one primary response from both performers and audience – fun. It does not tax the players technically, but delivers a satisfying sound with carols that the performers likely know and love. General audiences will be enchanted by the familiar melodies delivered in percussion, especially at Christmas time. The introduction opens with a brisk and rhythmic introduction based on Deck the Halls, and establishes the fun calypso rhythm immediately. Deck the Halls is the much-loved welsh air that was arranged by Haydn, Nos galan (Hob. XXXIb:29, 1803). Then, Angels We Have Heard on High breaks out in double-stops with a continuation of the rhythmic impetus. The birth of Jesus Christ as narrated in the Gospel of Luke is the subject of Angels We Have Heard on High, a traditional French song of unknown origin. The gloria section provides some flowing contrast, portraying the shepherds’ impressions as they encounter a multitude of angels singing and praising. The performers are encouraged to use a relaxed stroke to glide through these passages. Following is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, a 16th century English traditional Christmas carol also known under the title, The old Christmas Carol. It provides a contrast in tonality (minor mode) and texture. The xylophone part likely will lay most comfortably when executed with four mallets, although there are no three or four mallet chords in these passages. Good Christian Men, Rejoice is the closing selection in this Christmas medley. It’s title is an English translation of In dulci jubilo  (Latin for In sweet rejoicing). The work ends happily with a summation of the calypso rhythm.  This medley will be especially effective programmed on a winter holiday concert. Duration is 2:30. The arranger, Dan Heslink, assigned a difficulty level of medium easy, and can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.

Percussion Ensemble - Digital Download SKU: A0.935390 Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 16 pages. Pharaoh Publications #6117165. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935390). Christmas Calypso for Marimba Quartet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Dan HeslinkThe calypso style referenced in the title is not the calypso of Afro-Caribbean music from Trinidad and Tobago. Rather, it is the especially toned-down but still rhythmic commercial variant popularized by folk singers. Couched in this style, the arrangement offers Christmas favorites Deck the Halls, Angels We Have Heard On High, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Good Christian Men, Rejoice.  This if one of two versions of the calypso arrangement by Dan Heslink, both of which are available through Sheet Music Plus. The other arrangement, for percussion sextet, follows similar musical contours and is available separately. Both versions are intended to elicit one primary response from both performers and audience – fun. It does not tax the players technically, but delivers a satisfying sound with carols that the performers likely know and love. General audiences will be enchanted by the familiar melodies delivered in percussion, especially at Christmas time.  The introduction opens with a brisk and rhythmic introduction based on Deck the Halls, and establishes the fun calypso rhythm immediately. Deck the Halls is the much-loved welsh air that was arranged by Haydn, Nos galan (Hob. XXXIb:29, 1803). Then, Angels We Have Heard on High breaks out in double-stops with a continuation of the rhythmic impetus. The birth of Jesus Christ as narrated in the Gospel of Luke is the subject of Angels We Have Heard on High, a traditional French song of unknown origin. The gloria section provides some flowing contrast, portraying the shepherds’ impressions as they encounter a multitude of angels singing and praising. The performers are encouraged to use a relaxed stroke to glide through these passages. Following is God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, a 16th century English traditional Christmas carol also known under the title, The old Christmas Carol. It provides a contrast in tonality (minor mode) and texture. The xylophone part likely will lay most comfortably when executed with four mallets, although there are no three or four mallet chords in these passages. Good Christian Men, Rejoice is the closing selection in this Christmas medley. It’s title is an English translation of In dulci jubilo  (Latin for In sweet rejoicing). The work ends happily with a summation of the calypso rhythm.  This medley will be especially effective programmed on a winter holiday concert. Duration is 2:30. The arranger, Dan Heslink, assigned a difficulty level of medium easy, and can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.  

Percussion Ensemble - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.811252 Composed by Antonio J. Garcia. Contemporary,Jazz,Latin,World. Score and parts. 119 pages. Gordon Cherry #6549777. Published by Gordon Cherry (A0.811252). Two Dreams for Trombone and Percussion EnsembleDr. Justin Alexander (Director, VCU Percussion Ensemble) invited me to create a piece for trombone and percussion ensemble that had roles for more- and less-experienced players so that they could mix within the performance. I so enjoyed composing and performing this work. He estimates the overall difficulty grade of Movement I to be a three on a five-point scale and Movement II to be a four, with a grade four for the overall piece; but some players’ parts (within the eight total in the percussion ensemble) are indeed easier.The two Movements are approximately five minutes each.The first Movement  Bilita Mpash (An Amazing Dream) calls for (1) shekeré/guiro; (2) 5-octave marimba (shared with...); (3) 5-octave marimba (shared with previous); (4) claves/drum set with mounted cowbell; (5) bell/mounted cowbell/congas; (6) hi-hat/suspended cymbal; (7) bass drum; and (8) four toms/maracas.The Second Movement (Running with the Tigers) calls for (1) xylophone; (2) vibraphone/glockenspiel; (3) 5-octave marimba; (4) drum set; (5) shaker/samba whistle/congas (opt. voice); (6) triangle/bell tree/hanging bells/agogo bells (opt. voice); (7) bass drum (opt. voice); and (8) Timpani (opt. voice). Pending difficulty levels, the conga and drum set parts can optionally be split among additional percussionists. The score notes offer a stage plot and many rehearsal tips.Bilita Mpash (An Amazing Dream)The 3-2 Rumba Clave anchors this movement, launched by the shekeré. Rhythmic vamps of multiple bars form the landscape over which the trombone’s melody emerges, followed by a move to double-time 2-3 Rumba Clave (with montuno) and back. The trombone soloist improvises without chordal accompaniment for a while so could reflect on the preceding harmonies or instead freely improvise with no concern as to chord changes, while a later section requires improv over chord changes. After the recap, a surprise tag of the ending phrase in Cha Cha sets up the rubato finish. Bilita Mpash (BILL-it-uh m-POSH) is a Bantu term for an amazing dream, a dream so good that it is the polar opposite of a nightmare-a dream in a blissful state where all is forgiven and forgotten2. Running with the TigersThe opening, written-out marimba solo is somewhat of a nod to vibist Gary Burton’s influence in bringing mallets towards the expression of modern jazz. A 9/8 samba-groove (5+4) transforms to 4/4. None of the percussionists have to have a jazz background, though the drum set player would be more challenged if not already exposed to Latin drumming. The improvised solo section could be all solo trombone or could be divided among various performers, including trading. The recap of the tune begins over 5/8 samba (3+2, later 2+3). The closing arrhythmic drum-set solo crescendos as the optional surprise of percussionists’ (or additional) voices sing at the end. The title of this movement refers to a recurring dream my dad would have, as well as to the active movements of my grandson when sleeping in his earliest years.-Antonio J. GarcíaInstrumentation is for:Solo Trombone and 8-part Percussion Ensemble:shekeré/guiro, 2 5-octave marimbas, claves/drumset with cowbell, bell, congas, hi-hat, suspended cymbal, bass drum, toms, maracas, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, shaker, samba whistle, congas, triangle, bell tree, hanging bells, agogo bells, bass drum and timpani.This rhythmic and dramatic work includes improvisation by the Trombonist. Listen to the brilliant live performance featuring Mr. Garcia and the Virginia Commonwealth University Percussion Ensemble directed by Dr. Justin Alexander.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.899162 By Bobby McFerrin. By Bobby McFerrin. Arranged by Ricardo Matosinhos. Jazz. Score and parts. 32 pages. Ricardo Matosinhos #5723941. Published by Ricardo Matosinhos (A0.899162). This is a well known piece by Bobby McFerrin. Here presented on a music arrangement for unconventional music instruments. The arrangement allows flexibility, so this piece can be performed using tuned bottles (25cl, 33cl and 75cl), lip whistle, finger snaps, complemented with xylophones and optionally with voices to sing the lyrics too. This arrangement was made during the 2020 quarantine, when the world was shutdown due to a world virus pandemic. Some of the music students didn’t have their music instruments at home, so this arrangement came up to fill that gap and it is perfect to keep doing music with the available option of instruments.On each rehearsal letter, you can play optional improvisations, while keeping the voices 5-8. These improvisations can be easily done using the C major pentatonic scale or the note ranges presented on the right, that even include E♭ and B♭. If played using lip whistle, bendings will be possible too. This arrangement presents 8 voices and an alternative solution for voice 8, that makes it easier to be performed as it is the place where bottles are divided between the players. There is also an optional bass line to complement voice eight one octave bellow. In order to keep it simple, neither dynamics or articulations were included and the notes were represented always in the middle octave in G clef. The correct pitch ranges are presented in the performance notes.The amount of water will change the pitch differently depending if you are blowing or doing percussion on a bottle. When blowing, the more water you use, the higher the pitch will be, but while doing percussions more water means lower pitch. A good option, in order to save time during rehearsals, is to fill the bottles with water, marking the level with a pen, and then filling the bottle with the desired amount of hot wax instead of water. This way, when the wax cools down you can have a tuned bottle without requiring to tune it again every single rehearsal. Please note that the bottles should be made of glass and that different aspects change the performance. For percussion, straight bottles are better to tune as the curves in the bottles tend to produce unstable pitches. The extreme notes of the range might not be available in every single bottle, so you might need to try some alternatives. For example the high A is available in some beer bottles, while the low G is available in larger 75cl bottles of champaign. Last but not least, this piece should always be played according to Bobby’s motto: dont worry, be happy!I had lots of fun while doing this arrangement, now it’s your time to have fun while performing it!Ricardo Matosinhoshttp://www.ricardomatosinhos.com

Percussion Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.935383 Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas. Score and parts. 20 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5363007. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935383). Silent Night Prelude for Percussion Octet                      arr. by Dan Heslink This work is based on the well-loved Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber. This theme is so popular that it was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. And the version sung by Bing Crosby in 1935 is the fourth best-selling single recording of all-time. It’s sure to motivate your audience close to Christmas. The Prelude begins with a brisk tempo. Although notated in 3, as is customary in more modern renditions (the original theme was notated in 6), the tempo must be fast enough that two measures of 3 create a binary pairing (like 6/4 in two). It may be necessary to slightly slow down the roll speed to avoid a frenetic sound.  The difficulty level is easy. There are no changes of key, and the timpani part requires only two drums (Bb, F) with no tuning changes. The vibe part could be played with two mallets, but might execute more comfortably with three. The other keyboard parts use only two mallets each. The expression of this beautiful tune will be greatly enhanced by exaggerating the contrasts of dynamics. Accompaniment and ornamental figures must at all times be sublimated to the familiar theme. At the last strain, players should sing the well-known words in order to lead the audience or congregation in group singing. It would be helpful for the conductor to turn and face the audience at this point. This closing passage may be repeated for any number of sung verses. Use a smooth, relaxed stroke to elicit as much legato as possible. At points a continuous arpeggio accompaniment is divided among the instruments. Care must be taken to keep the sixteenth note speed consistent. The opening runs should be performed half-pedal on the vibes for clarity. Prelude on Silent Night would serve equally well in recital or in a church service. Duration is 3:10. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com  

Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.935379 Composed by Dan Heslink. Contemporary,World. Score and parts. 30 pages. Pharaoh Publications #4978359. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935379). Asian Symmetries                                                                      by Dan Heslink Asian Symmetries is a fanciful work which draws loosely from the musical procedures and sonic preferences of Indonesian and other Asian musical styles.  It is scored for three percussionists, each with their own battery of instruments. Gamelan-like impressions might be inferred from the cyclical nature of its rhythm, using metal plates like cymbals and gongs to mark large units of rhythmic time. Also evocative are the faster moving elaborations and a preponderance of metallophones in the instrumentation.   The work is medium to difficult in its demands. There are quick changes of instrument, planned to be manageable but requiring some attention to logistics  Each player’s performance station must remain stationary, with all instruments in reach without moving the performer’s position. Percussion I and Percussion III players must set up next to each other so that they may share the tenor drum. A selection of mallets that allows different striking surfaces to sound good without undue picking up and setting down of mallets is suggested.   Changes of meter and tempo occur, and an odd meter section sporting measures in 12/8, 6/8, 11/8 may require some additional attention. The instrumentation is selected to approximate Asian sounds with common western instruments. Performance time is 6:28. The composer, Dan Heslink, can be reached at dan@dheslink.com.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.935380 Arranged by Pharaoh Publications. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary,Spiritual. Score and parts. 14 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5212781. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935380). Holiday Bolero for keyboard percussion                          arr. by Dan Heslink This arrangement is available in two versions, a quintet for xylophone and four marimbas, and a percussion ensemble octet for orchestra bells, vibes, 3 marimbas, snare drum, timpani and multiple percussion. These comments refer to the mallet quintet arrangement. While the term Bolero can be applied to a variety of slow-tempo Latin dances, for most orchestral performers the title will evoke the stirring rhythms of Ravel’s famous Bolero. Similarities include the driving 3/4 bolero rhythm, the building of tension over one long-range crescendo, and the climactic conclusion. The pitch content is based on O Holy Night, the well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. The difficulty level in terms of executing notes and rhythms is medium-easy. At the same time, the dynamic planning and control of the crescendo requires considerable musical judgment. All of the keyboard parts require only two mallets; some passages unfold as double stops. Mallets for the marimbas should be chosen to maximize the blend of individual parts into a unified chord. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence.  Holiday Bolero is sure to be an audience pleaser during a winter concert, especially close to Christmas. It would serve equally well in a percussion recital or a church service. In church this work would be appropriate as special music or as an offertory. Duration is 2:52. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.

Percussion Ensemble - Digital Download SKU: A0.935382 Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary. Score and parts. 27 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5212785. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935382). Holiday Bolero for percussion ensemble                                                       arr. by Dan Heslink This arrangement is available in two versions, a quintet for xylophone and four marimbas and a percussion ensemble octet for orchestra bells, vibes, 3 marimbas, snare drum, timpani and multiple percussion. These comments refer to the percussion ensemble arrangement. While the term Bolero can be applied to a variety of slow-tempo Latin dances, for most orchestral performers the title will evoke the stirring rhythms of Ravel’s famous Bolero. Similarities include the driving 3/4 bolero rhythm, the building of tension over one long-range crescendo, and the climactic conclusion. The pitch content is based on O Holy Night, the well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847. The difficulty level in terms of executing notes and rhythms is medium-easy. At the same time, the dynamic planning and control of the crescendo requires considerable musical judgment, particularly in the snare drum part. All of the keyboard parts require only two mallets per player, with the exception of the vibe part’s necessity of 3 or 4 mallets. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence. Pedaling on the vibes for the most part is suggested by the harmonic rhythm and is not notated. Setup of the general percussion part in the manner of a multiple percussion solo, where all playing surfaces are comfortably accessible. Holiday Bolero is sure to be an audience pleaser during a winter concert, especially close to Christmas. It would serve equally well in a percussion recital or a church service. In church this work would be appropriate as special music or as an offertory. Duration is 2:52. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.942726 Composed by Frank Pugh. Standards. Score and parts. 24 pages. Frank Pugh #6018905. Published by Frank Pugh (A0.942726).  I wrote Nuevo-Nueve for an ensemble of nine new first-time percussion students.  Nuevo meaning new or different, and Nueve meaning nine, seemed to be a good title for the piece.  Going along with the concept of nine, the song is written in nine bar phrases and has a total of 99 measures as well.  It uses simple and repetitive patterns to introduce students to the instruments that are utilized in the piece.  Out of the nine students that I originally wrote it for, six were wind players and the other three had never read music.  They had great success with it (and a lot of fun, too!).     The first four parts are all listed as generic mallet parts, and all work pretty well with whatever mallet instruments that you have available.  Part 3 and 4 double each other, but part 4 is in bass clef.  They are written on the same sheet.  If you have the equipment for it, I recommend the following instrumentation: Part 1:  bells or marimba Part 2:  vibraphone Part 3:  marimba Part 4: (optional, bass clef, doubles part 3):  bass guitar, keyboard, or mallet controller Part 5:  hi-hat cymbal, suspended cymbal, mounted tambourine Part 6:  guiro, castanets, maracas, two pitched toms Part 7:  drum set Part 8:  suspended cymbal, china cymbal, splash cymbal, triangle Part 9:  concert bass drum, cabasaBe sure to check out my other small ensemble arrangements here on Sheet Music Plus, and thanks for taking a look!

Percussion Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.912929 Composed by Brandon Nelson. Concert,Contemporary. Score and parts. 8 pages. Brandon Nelson #2907437. Published by Brandon Nelson (A0.912929). For percussion duo.  Required instruments:  bells, vibraphone, xylophone, temple blocks, suspended cymbals (3 sizes).  General programming.  Advanced Intermediate level.Commissioned by Chris Nadeau for CAn-Duo.  Premiered at Colorado State University, October 16, 2016.It is common knowledge that the universe we see is composed of tiny particles known as atoms. For much of scientific history, it was thought that atoms were made up of three indivisible particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.Thanks to contemporary advances in physics, we now know that these particles are, in fact, made up of much smaller particles and that these constituents sometimes behave in ways that confound what we thought we knew of the physical universe.In this piece, I have portrayed one type of these subatomic particles, the quark. There are six types (or flavors) of quark: up, down, charm, strange, top, and bottom. These are differentiated by the type of charge they carry and their masses.The first movement is Strange Quark. This flavor has a negative charge and is relatively light. Much like the particle, this movement often behaves in unusual ways.Top Quark, the second movement, portrays the quark flavor that is by far the heaviest. Slow and massive, this particle allowed for the study of the famous Higgs boson.The final movement, Up Quark, is light and decays quickly, much like this particle that contributes to both protons and neutrons.The universe is indeed a wonder to behold and its scale is hardly comprehensible to the human mind. And yet, it is becoming increasingly apparent that there exists an entire universe yet to uncover in the most infinitesimal pieces of matter. It is my hope that the wonder and mystery this inspires be conveyed through this piece of music.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1075547 Composed by Brian Monroe. 20th Century,Instructional. Score and parts. 48 pages. BLM Music Publications (https://brianmonroemusic.com) #679741. Published by BLM Music Publications (https://brianmonroemusic.com) (A0.1075547). Celebrations is a mixed percussion ensemble octet utilizing both keyboard and non keyboard percussion instruments. It was written in memory of Ohio Band Director, Dan Meeks. In life we celebrate many occasions: birthdays, holidays, vacations, winning seasons, winning the lottery, anniversaries, marriages and births, just to name a few. But at times of loss we can also celebrate those who have left an indelible mark on us. Parents, mentors and teachers fit into this category. This piece is written to celebrate learning and though who guided us on our path. Specifically this piece is dedicated in memory of Dan Meeks, a teacher, band director, percussionist, husband and dad who touched so many lives teaching and guiding his family, friends and students through part of their lives. We are forever in debt to people like Dan and celebrate them. Dan would often say, Just Have Fun! This piece is written with that joy and love of life in mind. Thanks Dan, you always made it fun. Parts: Part 1: Bells (w/hard plastic mallets) Part 2: Xylophone & Crotales (or Bells) (w/medium plastic mallets) Part 3: Vibraphone (w/medium cord mallets) Part 4: Marimba 1: (w/medium yard mallets) Part 5: Marimba 2: if possible 4.5 or 5 octave play lower notes. (w/medium yard mallets) Part 6: Percussion 1: Snare Drum & Sleighbells Part 7: Bass Drum, Gong, Suspended Cymbal & Triangle Part 8: Timpani.