Featured Video: FIVE MORE MINUTES by John Tadlock

FIVE MORE MINUTES is a groovy duet for two battery percussionists with mirrored instrumentation. Starting with interlocking clapping patterns, the piece seamlessly moves from texture to texture, section to section, while keeping the audience's toe-tapping attention.

While programming my master’s recital, I ended up being exactly five minutes short of the required length. So, rather than taking on the monumental task of scouring the internet and archives for a multi-percussion piece that was just over five minutes long and that I also liked, I asked a friend if he wanted to play a composition with me. Thus, Five More Minutes was born. This piece is intended to work as either a recital opener or closer. I really wanted a piece that grooved, but also got intense with a lot of split rhythms between the two players. I also wanted it to be something that would be a lot of fun from an audience perspective.

"Five More Minutes" starts out with a mellow groove, but very soon the theme interrupts with a desire to be heard. Quickly the groove takes over again, and we are given a quick respite as the tambourines come in with their interlocking rhythms. Eventually, we move back to the drums, but now with sticks as the players weave in and out of each other’s textures slowly growing until finally the theme blasts through again demanding to be heard. Now, finally in unison, the two players drive forward to the bombastic conclusion.

– J.T.