Dot Dash (Perc Ens 5-9)

An exploration of short and long sounds in a rhythmically captivating orchestration, Dot Dash is creatively-conceived work that allows for flexible instrumentation and ensemble size options. Pairing pitched and non-pitched instruments, this work turns a simple rhythmic motive into a groovy ensemble setting as sparse melodic components take a supportive role behind the textural and rhythmic features.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 5-9
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 2:35

Instrumentation
Bells
Xylophone
Vibraphone
Marimba (3-octave)
Timpani (2 drums)
Cymbals (Hi-Hat, Ride)
Bongos
Snare Drum
4 Concert Toms

*May be performed with only pitched percussion (keyboards and timpani), only non-pitched percussion (plus timpani), a mixed combination of five or more players, or all nine parts, potentially doubled for an even larger ensemble.

Program Notes
Rhythmically drawn from morse code for the words “dot” and “dash,” this medium-easy percussion ensemble for flexible instrumentation can be performed with only pitched percussion (keyboards and timpani), only non-pitched percussion (plus timpani), a mixed combination of five or more players, or all nine parts, potentially doubled for an even larger ensemble. Initially stated in the bells and/or snare drum, the “dot dash” rhythmic iteration is then creatively orchestrated and strategically shifted throughout each pair of new voices that enter, turning a simple rhythmic motive into a groovy ensemble realization. Doubling the speed of the rhythm and creating call and response effects between ensemble members further exploits this motive before a sparse orchestration of the original rhythmic value passed between the ensemble that then layers into a final unison statement.