Chasing November (Perc Ens 10-11)

Chasing November is a work for 10-11 young percussionists that was written for a group to perform at the 2026 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. It is meant to serve as an uplifting reminder to each member of the ensemble to soak up every second of the journey as they prepare to perform on the biggest stage in the percussion world.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 10-11
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 3:15

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" spiral bound)
Crotales: 2 octaves; may substitute Glockenspiel
Glockenspiel
Vibraphone 1: may share instrument with Vibraphone 2*
Vibraphone 2: may share instrument with Vibraphone 1*
Marimba 1: 4-octave**
Marimba 2: 4-octave**
Marimba 3: 4.3-octave (optional 5-octave)**
Cymbals: Suspended Cymbal , Ride Cymbal (may substitute Suspended for Ride if unavailable); 1 pair yarn mallets, 1 pair snare drum sticks
Shaker
Cajón 1
Cajón 2: optional bonus part

* If sharing a Vibraphone, one player controls the pedal throughout.
** Marimba 1, 2, & 3 may share one 4.3-octave (optional 5-octave) instrument.

Program Notes
Chasing November was commissioned by the Pioneer Ridge Middle School Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Jeremy Meyer, for their performance at the 2026 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. After earning third place in 2023 and second place in both 2024 and 2025, these students are now the first ensemble from Missouri to win the International Percussion Ensemble Competition.

I had a difficult time finding a title that felt right, but I think this one fits their journey. I hope it serves as a reminder to each member of the ensemble to soak up every second of the process, because it’s a moment and a feeling you can never get back. Each year at the Missouri PAS Chapter Day of Percussion, I hear Jeremy’s students referred to as “the most well-rehearsed of the day,” and I could not possibly be more excited to have this ensemble represent our state on the biggest stage in the percussion world.

– J.F.