Joy of Every Heart (Perc Ens 7)

An adaptation of the advent hymn "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus," Joy of Every Heart puts an Afro-Cuban spin on the traditional melody and would make a great addition to a holiday percussion ensemble concert.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 7
Level: Medium | Duration: 3:05

Instrumentation
Chimes/Bells
Vibraphone
Marimba 1 (4-octave)*
Marimba 2 (4.3-octave)*
Bass Guitar (opt. Bass Marimba)
Drumset
Percussion (Triangle, Wind Chimes, Shaker)

*Both Marimba parts may share one 4.3-octave instrument

Program Notes
Adapted from the 19th-century advent hymn by Rowland Pritchard entitled "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus," this arrangement is orchestrated for keyboard percussion ensemble plus drumset and percussion accessories. The 3/4 time signature is retained from the original hymn, but is felt in one throughout with a 6/8 Afro-Cuban groove strongly implied. The melody constantly passes between vibes, bells, and the two marimba voices in harmony.