The sequel to “SODASONG”, “SODASONG 2” is a solo for multi-percussion + electronic playback.
Since many schools continue to remain closed in early 2021 (due to COVID-19), “SODASONG 2” was designed for percussionists to play with materials found throughout their homes.
While originally composed for 5 soda cans, “SODASONG 2” can be performed on any collection of five objects (glass bottles, plates, paint cans, tom-toms, etc).
“SODASONG” is a great piece for students with limited access to instruments and for students interested in or looking to explore multi-percussion and electro-acoustic music.
“SOLARA” is a drum kit + electronics solo commissioned by Daniel Vila.
“SOLARA” is great for students familiar with drum kit that are looking to explore multi-percussion music, students familiar with multi-percussion looking to explore drum kit music, and students looking to explore electro-acoustic music.
The percussion setup for “SOLARA” can be modified and exploration with different sounds and instruments is HIGHLY encouraged.
The key elements of the setup are:
(5+) drums [tuned to different pitches] (in score as 3 toms + 2 congas + 1 snare)
(2+) cymbals (in score as china/crash + crash/ride)
(1) hi-hat
(1) kick drum
(1) shaker
“SOLARA” is intended to be performed without a click track.
– electronic playback [.wav] is included with purchase of the score.
“SOLARA” was premiered by Daniel Vila on February 28th, 2021 in Ann Arbor, MI.
(written for Neil McNulty + Jean Carlo Ureña Gonzalez
About “Beauty & Ruin”
“BEAUTY & RUIN” is a trio for two percussionists + electric guitar to be performed as three attacca movements.
The two multi-percussion setups are identical, but Player 3’s instruments should be lower in pitch. Each setup includes: (1) snare drum [drum kit or concert], (1) floor tom [or kick drum mounted so that the batter head is facing upwards], (1) metal object.
While not specified in the score, the electric guitarist should feel free to include effects (ex. overdrive, chorus, delay, etc.) as they see fit.
Structurally, “BEAUTY & RUIN” is inspired by the percussion music of Steve Reich: three attacca movements organized as ‘fast-slow-fast.’ Musically, “BEAUTY & RUIN” is inspired by the music of Steve Reich and by 1990’s alternative rock music – specifically that of Dinosaur Jr., Sugar, and Bob Mould. The title, “BEAUTY & RUIN,” is also a reference to Bob Mould’s 2014 album of the same name.
The two percussion parts create a stereo effect throughout much of the piece, so it is recommended that the percussion setups are staged facing each other with the electric guitarist between them, facing the audience.
“BEAUTY & RUIN” is great for students looking for a dramatic chamber piece that blurs the line between contemporary percussion and alternative rock music.
*guitar sheet music is included as both Guitar Tab + Standard Notation
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