Basic Geometry (Perc Ens 3)

The title of this energetic percussion trio, Basic Geometry, is a reference to the geometric formulas and figures used to spur the rhythmic and phrase concepts. Filled with syncopation, frequent complex time signature changes, and motives thrown about the trio, you'll dig this one from Josh Gottry!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 3
Level: Medium | Duration: 5:30

Instrumentation
Percussion 1: snare drum, bongos, splash cymbal, pedal woodblock, mounted tambourim (may substitue small concert tom)

Percussion 2: snare drum, China cymbal, pedal cowbell, 2 congas, mounted pandeiro (may substitute tambourine)

Percussion 3: snare drum, hi-hat, 4 concert toms, pedal bass drum

*All players use swizzle sticks (hard felt/snare tip combo)

Program Notes
The title of this work, Basic Geometry, is a reference to the geometric formulas and figures used to spur the rhythmic and phrase concepts (many of which are noted in the score). The opening section utilizes phrase lengths based on the Pythagorean theory (a2 + b2 = c2), in this case applied as phrases of 6 beats or measures, 8 beats or measures, and 10 beats or measures (feasibly the side measurements of a right triangle). The second section begins in measure 55 and is based loosely on the shortened numerical representation of pi (3.14). It is played primarily on the snare drums (circles) and you'll see various rhythmic groupings or patterns drawn from the numbers 3, 1, and 4. The third section begins in measure 104 and is inspired by the Fibonacci series (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21,...) where each number is the sum of the previous two. Starting in measure 147, the Fibonacci elements begin to appear in reverse, working back down to the number 1, after which selected passages from the opening two sections appear, leading to an aggressive ensemble conclusion.