Coin Toss (Perc Ens 6)

Coin Toss is a short piece for battery percussion sextet inspired by the rhythms and flows found in Hip-Hop and Rap. For young percussionists, it’s the perfect introduction to complex compositional techniques such as mixed meter, sudden tempo changes, and improvising. The piece’s colorful instrumentation and infectious motifs are sure to engage performers and audience members alike!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 6
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 3:15

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)
Player 1: High Bongo (shared w/ Player 3), Low Conga (shared w/ Player 2), Kick Drum
Player 2: Hi-Hat, Low Conga
Player 3: Low Bongo (set shared w/ Player 1), Snare Drum
Player 4: Cowbell, Mid Tom
Player 5: Ride Cymbal, High Conga
Player 6: Low Tom, Concert Bass Drum, Police Whistle

Program Notes
Coin Toss is a short piece inspired by the rhythms and flows found in Hip-Hop and Rap. The piece uses instruments typically found in the drum tracks of this genre, such as hi-hats, snares, bass drums, and cowbells, but is combined with a post-minimalist style more fitting for the concert setting. Coin Toss is in A-B-A form, with the “A” section consisting of layering and trading rhythms across the ensemble, and the “B” section consisting of faster motifs and time signature changes. While the rhythms within Coin Toss aren't too advanced, the piece introduces complex compositional techniques such as mixed meter, sudden tempo changes, and improvising.