Percussion Ensemble - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1012689 Composed by Brian Monroe. Instructional,Standards. Score and parts. 9 pages. BLM Music Publications (https://brianmonroemusic.com) #6890089. Published by BLM Music Publications (https://brianmonroemusic.com) (A0.1012689). Power Line: for 2 or More Energetic Percussionists is a two part ensemble for first year percussionist.  Performed on a drum pad, the work explores the sound a percussionist can make by playing on the head and rim of the pad and the metal stand on which the pad sits, and stick clicks  In addition, there are also vocal effects.  The performs say tzzzz imitating the sound or an electrical arc.  Rhythms include quarter note and eighth note patterns and a few instances of four sixteenth notes grouped into one beat (1e&a).  The performs are also asked to play flams, paradiddles and multi bounce rolls.  Finally there is a small section which features a drum to drum section where the performers will play on the pads on each side of the performer.  This is a fun and exciting work for your first year percussionist!  Enjoy!

Percussion Ensemble - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.972638 Composed by James Siddons. 20th Century,Concert,Contemporary. Score and parts. 14 pages. James Siddons Music and Writings #3025013. Published by James Siddons Music and Writings (A0.972638). Dance of the Wind-Up Toys is for one clarinet in Bb, one cello, percussionist(s), and mime dancer(s). This work may be performed by instruments only; the percussion part being performed by one, two, or three performers.If a mime performer, or one or more dancers, also perform, the instrumental ensemble must be on the stage with them. The mime or dancer(s) enter the stage at measure 20 and either 1) perform until the end (m. 91), or 2) perform from m. 20 to m. 41, then leave the stage, and then return at m. 67. Costumes: the instrumentalists may be in costume as well as the performers, if desired. See the title page for suggestions. This piece is meant to be energetic, theatrical, and fun to perform as well as to watch.Program Note Dance of the Wind-Up Toys was composed in April-May 1968, when composer James Siddons was 19 years old. It was inspired by mime performers as well as the mechanical toys common in the early twentieth century.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1024745 Composed by Mykola Leontovych. Arranged by Matthew Kimbley. Christmas,Concert. Score and parts. 56 pages. Matthew Kimbley #4855159. Published by Matthew Kimbley (A0.1024745). Carol of the Bells. When most people hear that, they think of handbells. But why not use a glockenspiel (also known as orchestral bells)? Matthew Kimbley, when arranging this popular Christmas carol, chose to do that very thing. Add a marimba, vibraphone, chimes, wind chimes, temple blocks, two triangles, sleigh bells, claves, and bass drum, and you have an exciting arrangement of Carol of the Bells for ten-player percussion ensemble.This piece is about three and a half minutes long, and is perfect for school functions and Christmas events. This piece can technically be played by as few as five percussionists, although it is intended for ten. It is an exciting start or finish to any concert, and is great for students and professionals alike. It is written so that it can be played at nearly any speed, so it can be adjusted based on how advanced the ensemble is.This piece is fun for the audience as well as the performers!Note: the audio recording includes the optional ending.This includes both the conductor and performer scores.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.767905 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Yvonne Johnson. Children,Folk,Instructional,Standards. Score and parts. 20 pages. Yvonne Johnson #2893165. Published by Yvonne Johnson (A0.767905). Full Score and Set of 8 PartsAn easy arrangement of this well known folk tune using basic note values. The only eighth note (quaver) rhythms are in the Woodblock part. The lively tempo is a suggested one only and teachers should feel free to adjust it to suit the performers. Marimba could be substituted for the Bass Xyl.

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 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1047954 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Yvonne Johnson. Children,Folk,Instructional,Traditional. Score and parts. 9 pages. Yvonne Johnson #652405. Published by Yvonne Johnson (A0.1047954). Score and Full Set of 4 Parts This well known children's song is based on the old German folk tune Lauterbach Hab' Ich Mein Strumpf Verlor'n dating back to 1827 and was first published with lyrics by Septimus Winner in 1864. It has been arranged for the younger Orff Ensemble performers using simple rhythms and basic note values. Sop Glock and Alto Met play the tune throughout. Alto Glock provides some harmony with a simple bass line played by Bass Xylo. Arranged in the key of F Major, players will need their Bb bars. Dynamics and tempo markings are suggested ones only and Marimba makes a nice substitute for the Bass Xylo.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1045775 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Yvonne Johnson. Children,Folk,Traditional. Score and parts. 10 pages. Yvonne Johnson #650363. Published by Yvonne Johnson (A0.1045775). This well known children's song has been arranged for the younger Orff performers using basic note values. An easy, simple arrangement, the tune is played twice with only a variation in the Bass Xylo part for the second playing. Tambourine has a trill at the end with a glissando played by the Bass Xylo. Dynamics and tempo markings are suggested ones only and Marimba or Bass Met could be substituted for the Bass Xylo. A happy, fun piece for all the Orff class.

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: A0.935380 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 - 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.