The Inner Rhythm! (Perc Ens 10)

The Inner Rhythm! brings together the sounds of Kumi-Daiko (Japanese drumming) often referred to as Taiko drumming along with Native American traditional drumming. The ensemble is based around ten various drums ranging from high pitch to low pitch. Throughout the work there are three groups of instruments that work together or in unison with everyone. With the constant eighth note running throughout the piece, the performer must internalize the rhythm to help keep the piece moving toward its conclusion.

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

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5"x11" spiral bound)

Original Instrumentation
Player 1: Bongos – mounted and played w/ sticks
Player 2: Doumbek – mounted and played w/ mallets
Player 3: Djembe – mounted and played w/ mallets
Player 4: Snare drum – played w/ sticks
Player 5: Medium Small Tom – played w/ sticks
Player 6: Medium Tom – played w/ sticks
Player 7: Medium Large Tom – played w/ sticks
Player 8: Large Tom – played w/ sticks
Player 9 Kick Drum – mounted on legs and played w/ mallets
Player 10 Concert Bass Drum – slightly muted and played w/ mallets

The original instrumentation listed above may be amended as needed. The overall idea is to have 11 different battery instruments ranging from high to low pitch. For example, this work could be performed by 11 concert toms tuned appropriately from high to low. Congas, timbales, etc. could be used.

Program Notes
The Inner Rhythm! was composed during the summer of 2022. This work brings together the sounds of Kumi-Daiko (Japanese drumming) often referred to as Taiko drumming along with Native American traditional drumming. The ensemble is based around ten various drums ranging from high pitch to low pitch. Throughout the work there are three groups of instruments that work together or in unison with everyone. With the constant eighth note running throughout the piece, the performer must internalize the rhythm to help keep the piece moving toward its conclusion. The Inner Rhythm! was premiered by the East Central University Percussion Ensemble, January 20, 2023, at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference in Tulsa, OK.