Breakout RGV (Perc Ens 10)

Breakout RGV is a unique and exciting piece for 10 players that fits lyrical melodies, ethereal soundscapes, and heavy asymmetric grooves all within 5 minutes. The music constantly builds to a climactic and virtuosic ending sure to have the audience bouncing in their seats!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 10
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Glockenspiel, 2 Woodblocks
Xylophone, Ratchet
Vibraphone
Marimba 1 [4-octave]*
Marimba 2 [5-octave]*
Marimba 3 [4.3-octave]*
Marimba 4 [5-octave]*

*The Marimba parts may be performed on two 5-octave instruments.

Timpani [4 drums] Percussion: Wind Chimes [shared], Concert Bass Drum, Flexatone, Suspended Cymbal, Cabasa, Tambourine Drum Set: Snare, Bass, Crash, Ride, High Rack Tom, Floor Tom, Wind Chimes [shared]

Program Notes
Breakout RGV was composed for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Percussion Ensemble and premiered at the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

The piece embodies the concept of “breaking out” on several levels. Formally, the work is structured so that the most exciting thematic material is constantly subdued, only appearing in short bursts within the first half of the piece, which is primarily darker, timid, and mysterious. The music does not reach a climax until the very end, when the loud and bombastic main theme finally appears in its complete form.

The title also carries an emotional meaning, referring the growth, enthusiasm, and determination within UTRGV’s percussion program at the time this work was composed. It represents the opportunity to show the world what a group from the Rio Grande Valley is capable of.