While it Lasts (Perc Ens 9 + Piano)

While It Lasts is a metallic-forward percussion ensemble that explores one’s perception of time, beginning with atmospheric bowed vibraphones and gradually building in tempo, color, and intensity throughout. This piece offers great contrast on any concert program and is perfect for developing musical nuance within an intermediate ensemble.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 10
Series: N/A
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 4:15

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5"x11" spiral bound)

Chimes
Crotales: 2 octaves + bowed vibes on Vibraphone 3
Bells
Vibraphone 1: 3 octave
Vibraphone 2: 3 octave
Vibraphone 3: 3 octave, shared with Crotales player
Vibraphone 4: 3 octave, shared with Percussion 2
Piano: or Synthesizer
Percussion 1: Gong, Wind Chimes, Triangle, Ride Cymbal, Concert Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Sizzle Cymbal, China Cymbal, Crash Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Wind Chimes, + bowed vibes on Vibraphone 4

Program Notes
Capturing a mysterious and ethereal character, While It Lasts was written to provide a contrast to the more energetic, lively, and aggressive selections on McKinney Boyd High School’s 2021 PASIC IPEC Showcase Concert. Through the absence of marimba, xylophone, and even traditional suspended cymbal swells, the ensemble utilizes a largely metallic orchestration, creating a unique color palette. The phrase “enjoy it while it lasts” alludes to the piece in a variety of ways: the long resonances and slow decay of the instruments, the crawling pace of the opening that ramps up and flies by in later segments, as well as the student performers’ journeys throughout their own percussive careers in which it would be wise to “enjoy it while it lasts."

– C.B.

McKinney Boyd High School Percussion Ensemble