Cool Kicks (Perc Ens 10)

Inspired by the composer's love of shoes, Cool Kicks allows all performers to play at least one instrument utilizing their feet and draws inspiration from songs and artists who also celebrate their love of sneakers. We are cool musicians, playing cool instruments while looking cool doing it. We might as well be rocking cool kicks!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 10
Series: N/A
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 3:40

Instrumentation
Player 1: Bells, Hi-Hat
Player 2: Chimes, Sizzle Cymbal, Swish Knocker, Cabasa, Zil-Bel
Player 3: Crotales (2 octaves), Kick Bass Drum, Xylophone
Player 4: Vibraphone, Hi-Hat
Player 5: Vibraphone, Hi-Hat
Player 6: Marimba (4.3-octave), Kick Bass Drum
Player 7: Marimba (4.5-octave), Kick Bass Drum
Player 8: Marimba (5.0-octave), Kick Bass Drum
Player 9: 4 Timpani, Ride Cymbal, Hi-Hat
Player 10: Triangle, Snare Drum, Kick Bass Drum, China Cymbal, Ride Cymbal, Splash Cymbal

Program Notes
I like sneakers. A lot. Some might call me a collector; others a sneakerhead. I prefer the term “sneaker enthusiast.” I don’t think of sneakers as utilitarian but rather as works of art for your feet. As the saying goes, “I make shoe contact before eye contact.”

When approached about writing a new piece for Spring HS (Spring, TX), their director, JD Guzman, mentioned the percussion ensemble would be wearing sneakers for their performance. Due to my affinity for sneakers, he thought it appropriate to write a piece that drew attention to their “cool kicks.” At last, an opportunity came for me to merge my love of sneakers with my love of writing music!

Cool Kicks allows all performers to play at least one instrument utilizing their feet and draws inspiration from songs and artists who also celebrate their love of sneakers. As percussionists, we are fortunate enough to be able to use our hands, fingers, and feet to play our instruments. We are cool musicians, playing cool instruments while looking cool doing it. We might as well be rocking cool kicks!

– D.M.