Streamline (Perc Ens 7)

Using primarily hand drums, woodblocks and cymbals, Streamline is culturally infused with music from West Africa, Cuba, Haiti and China. Indigenous instruments and playing techniques from these cultures are used throughout, but this thrilling work is very much rooted in contemporary music composition.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 7
Level: Medium | Duration: 6:45

Instrumentation
Conga
Djembe, Low Woodblock
Dundun (or low drum), Wood Drum (or wooden box w/ mallet)
Bongos
2 Piccolo Woodblocks, Caxixi (basket shaker)
Chinese Cymbals (pair)
Gliss Gong
African Double Bell

Program Notes
Streamline was commissioned by Jeremy Craycraft and The College of St. Scholastica Hand Drum Ensemble. The work itself is a reflection of my interest in world music as it blends together aspects of West African, Cuban, Haitian, and Chinese music. The use of indigenous instruments and playing techniques from these countries are seen and heard throughout the piece. Similar to many other hand drum works, Streamline contains sections reserved for improvisation. The performers are free to use these sections for anyone in the group to improvise. While the music of other cultures certainly influenced the overall sound of Streamline, the bulk of the piece is constructed from a contemporary music perspective.