Clouds Make Songo Away (Perc Ens 8-13)

Clouds Make Songo Away is designed to be a flexible composition for early percussion programs or schools that desire to introduce students to percussion ensemble. It exposes students to traditional characteristics of the Cuban songo style, includes brief solo statements for multiple players within a comfortable ensemble groove, and inserts a little call-and-response between the drums and mallet player hand claps, linking repetitions of the catchy and fun tune. The piece can be performed with a range of players and uses instruments commonly found in a school band room.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 8-13
Series: The Ignite Series
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 2:10

Instrumentation
Bells (may substitute or double with Vibraphone)
Chimes (optional)
Xylophone/Marimba 1 [4-octave]**
Marimba 2 [4 or 4.3-octave](optional)**
Timpani [3 drums]
Agogo Bells
Temple Blocks (optional)
Bongos (may substitute or double with Congas or High Toms)
Hi-Hat (may substitute or double with Cabasa)
Snare Drum 1
Snare Drum 2 (optional)
Bass Drum (may substitute or double with Floor Tom)

* Like all pieces in the Ignite Series, the instrumentation is flexible for some or all parts. You may perform with as few as 8 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
Written for the Santan Junior High percussion class (Chandler, AZ), Clouds Make Songo Away is designed to be a flexible composition for early percussion programs or schools that desire to introduce students to percussion ensemble. It exposes students to traditional characteristics of the Cuban songo style, includes brief solo statements for multiple players within a comfortable ensemble groove, and inserts a little call-and-response between the drums and mallet player hand claps, linking repetitions of the catchy and fun tune. The piece can be performed with a range of players and uses instruments commonly found in a school band room.