Black Knight, The (Perc Ens 6-9+)

The Black Knight was created to help fill the gap of literature for beginning percussion ensembles and is a manageable, yet dramatic piece that allows beginning percussionists the opportunity to practice their dynamic, ensemble balance, and phrasing skills.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 6-9+
Series: The Ignite Series
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 1:50

Instrumentation
Bells (may double with Vibraphone)
Xylophone (may double or substitute Marimba 8va)
Marimba 1 [4-octave]** (may double or substitute Vibraphone)
Marimba 2 [4.3-octave][optional]**
Timpani [3 drums]
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2 [optional]: Crash Cymbals, 2 Concert Toms
Percussion 3 [optional]: Tambourine, 2 Congas

* Like all pieces in the Ignite Series, the instrumentation is flexible for some or all parts. You may perform with as few as 6 players or with as many as you have in your percussion ensemble by doubling parts.

** Marimba 1 & 2 may be played on one 4.3-octave instrument.

Program Notes
The Black Knight was created to help fill the gap of literature for beginning percussion ensembles. I wanted to create a manageable, yet dramatic piece that would allow beginning percussionists the opportunity to practice their dynamic, ensemble balance, and phrasing skills. I found the idiosyncratic, yet memorable Black Knight from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail to be a perfect inspiration for this short, yet energetic overture.
– J.S.