Disco Penguin (Percussion Quartet)

Disco Penguin was written with the developing percussionist in mind. It is designed to help bridge the gap between that formative period of unison playing and the earliest instances of independent adventures in an ensemble setting. The driving pulse, constant groove, and rhythmic accessibility is sure to make Disco Penguin a hit for performers and audiences alike!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Series: N/A
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 1:35

Instrumentation
Player 1: 3 Timpani (32", 29", 26")
Player 2: Bongos
Player 3: 4 Concert Toms
Player 4: Snare Drum & Floor Tom

Program Notes
Written with the developing percussionist in mind, Disco Penguin features repetitive rhythms that students can really latch on to as they build the skills required for independence within the context of ensemble performance. The driving pulse, danceable grooves, and unexpected twists help keep things fun and fresh along the way.

Measures 1-11 present each performer’s motif and weave them together into an ensemble tapestry. Measures 12-15 give the ensemble an opportunity to trade ideas around from player to player before presenting our rhythmic theme in measures 16-19. Measures 20-34 allow individual performers an opportunity to shine as they each perform short solos with support from their fellow performers. Measures 37-39 allow the entire ensemble to show off their dynamic range as they explore different timbres on their instruments. Measures 41 to the end present our rhythmic theme split among individual members of the ensemble before tying a nice bow on the piece to finish it out.