Kinetic (Percussion Quartet)

Kinetic originally started as a marimba quartet utilizing only one marimba for all four performers, but quickly expanded to add a deconstructed drum set to bring some variety of timbres to the piece. Because of this unique instrumentation, the piece derives its title from the perpetual sense of motion required of the performers, whether they are physically transitioning from instrument to instrument or engaged in the continuous energetic activity of playing.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 3:30

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

All Players: Shared Marimba (4.3-octave)
Players 1 & 2: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Players 3 & 4: Splash Cymbal, Ride Cymbal, Hi-Hat

Program Notes
Over the past several years, I have become increasingly interested in writing music that utilizes each player in the percussion ensemble as both a mallet player and a drummer. I think pieces that encourage being skilled at both sides of the “percussion coin” are extremely important to the development of young musicians.

Kinetic originally started as a marimba quartet where I was challenging myself to only include one marimba for all four performers, but quickly evolved into using a marimba plus a deconstructed drum set to bring some variety of timbres to the piece. Because of this unique instrumentation, the piece derives its title from the perpetual sense of motion required of the performers, whether they are physically transitioning from instrument to instrument or engaged in the continuous energetic activity of playing.

Written for intermediate players, Kinetic brings a good amount of energy to your next percussion ensemble program and will serve as a good opener to any concert.

– R.C.