Stardust

Duration: 6.25 minutes

Difficulty: ★★★★☆

Premiered: 2023.12.03

Players: (4) 2 Vibraphones + 2 Multi-Percussion

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(commissioned by Vanderbilt Percussion Group)

About “Stardust”

“STARDUST” is a percussion quartet for 2 vibraphones and 2 multi-percussionists commissioned by the

Vanderbilt Percussion Group.

Musically, “STARDUST” is a blend of rock, metal, funk, and contemporary classical music that draws influence from the work of Tool, Metallica, Ghost-Note, Todd Terje, Steve Reich, and David Lang.

PERFORMERS + INSTRUMENTS

  • PLAYER 1: Vibraphone 1
  • PLAYER 2: Vibraphone 2
  • PLAYER 3: Multi-Percussion 1
    • kick drum, snare drum, semi-resonant metal pipe, pair of rocks
  • PLAYER 4: Multi-Percussion 2
    • kick drum, snare drum, semi-resonant metal pipe, pair of rocks

NOTES + SUBSTITUTIONS

  • kick drum: kick drums should be mounted on stands/legs as it is played with sticks (not via pedal)
  • kick drums may be substituted for a large, semi-dampened floor tom
  • semi-resonant metal pipe: the pipe should produce a metallic ‘ping’ but no definite/specific pitch metal pipes may be substituted for other ‘ping-y’ metal objects, such as brake drums
  • pair of rocks: rocks may be substituted for other percussive items where pitch can be manipulated

It is at the discretion of the performing ensemble whether or not the pitches of Multi-Percussion setups 1 & 2 are identical. If the pitches are different, Multi-Percussion 2 should have the lower-pitched items.

Woodgrain

Duration: 6 minutes

Difficulty: ★★★★☆

Released: 2022.04.11

Players: (3) Violin, Viola, + Marimba

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(commissioned by Timbr(e) Ensemble: Alexandra Maynard, Somerset Peede, + Nupur Thakkar)

About “Woodgrain”

“WOODGRAIN” is a trio for violin, viola, and marimba commissioned by Timbr(e) Ensemble.

Musically, “WOODGRAIN” is a blend of folk, progressive rock/pop, and contemporary classical music that draws influence from the work of Punch Brothers, Bruce Hornsby, Michael Manring, Jason Narducy, and Wintergatan.

The title “WOODGRAIN” (as well as the original working title “THE TREES”) is inspired by the fact that the violin, the viola, and the marimba are all instruments composed primarily of wood. “WOODGRAIN” is also the original title for the marimba solo “TWENTY” which blends folk and contemporary classical music.

Age Of Fire

Duration: 9.5 minutes

Difficulty: ★★★★☆

Released: 2021

Players: (2) Alto Saxophone + Percussion

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(commissioned by Andrew Gaffey)

About “Age Of Fire”

“AGE OF FIRE” is a duet for alto saxophone and percussion (vibraphone + bass drum/large floor tom).

Musically, “AGE OF FIRE” is inspired by the epic music of Rush, Greta Van Fleet, Yes, and Led Zeppelin.

Thematically, “AGE OF FIRE” is organized in seven movements that draw from the structures of “the hero’s journey” and other ancient folk tales.

  1. Prologue [1:00]
  2. The Odyssey, Chapter I [2:10]
  3. The Oracle [1:10]
  4. The Odyssey, Chapter II [1:05]
  5. The Prophecy [0:50]
  6. Battle Royale [2:05]
  7. Epilogue [1:20]

All movements are intended to be performed attaca. If brief pauses between movements are desired, the recommended locations for such pauses are…

  • between “II. The Odyssey, Chapter I” + “III. The Oracle”
  • between “VI. Battle Royale” + “VII. The Epilogue”
  • between “III. The Oracle” + “IV. The Odyssey, Chapter II”