little things, the (Percussion Quintet + 7 Audience Performers)

Blending music with spoken word and incorporating unconventional instrumentation, the little things invites listeners to reflect on the small, meaningful moments that help carry us through life.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 5 On-Stage + 7 Audience Performers
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 8:00

Instrumentation

Conductor's Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

On-Stage Ensemble
Percussion 1: Glockenspiel [4-oct. w/ pedal preferred], Toy Piano [25-key], Low “B” Crotale**, 2 bows, 2 glockenspiel mallets
Percussion 2: Chimes, “C” Crotale**, 2 rawhide hammers, aluminum mallet*
Percussion 3: Desk Bells [F, A, B, C, D] on trap table, Vibraphone, 2 medium hard cord mallets
Percussion 4: Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal, 2 bows, 2 medium hard cord mallets
Percussion 5: Marimba [5.0- or 4.3-oct.], Low “F” Crotale**, 2 bass bows, 4 medium yarn mallets, aluminum mallet*

Audience Ensemble (see bottom of performance notes)
Desk Bells (3 players, each with two desk bells):
Player 1: A3, C4
Player 2: E4, G4
Player 3: B3, D4

Crotales (4 players, each with an individual crotale** from the higher octave):
C, D, F, and B 1 aluminum mallet for each player*

*If aluminum mallets are unavailable, feel free to use a brass mallet or another brilliant mallet. Make sure that all crotale parts are played with the same mallet.

**see Performance Notes

Program Notes
the little things was commissioned by Dr. Joe Moore III and the UTRGV Percussion Ensemble for their 2017 Texas Music Educators Association Conference Showcase Concert. After drawing upon it as an undergraduate music education major at UTRGV, and it is inspired by both personal experience and creative exploration.

This piece brings something distinct to the percussion ensemble repertoire, blending music with spoken word and incorporating unconventional instrumentation. It is built around three spoken texts by M.R. Graham, which speak to the everyday moments that resonate deeply with those from the Rio Grande Valley These “little things” include family celebrations that last until 3 AM (or later), warm winters in place of snowy ones, and the seasonal tradition of enjoying the first batch of tamales.

The title carries a second meaning as well: a nod to the use of elementary school instruments within the ensemble. I composed this piece during the second half of my student teaching semester in Fall 2016, while working with elementary students daily. I developed a deep appreciation for these instruments, especially when paired with traditional percussion, and wanted to honor them through this work.

The music evolves from an ethereal atmosphere to a more rhythmic, though never aggressive, energy. It culminates in an intimate fusion of spoken word and sound. the little things invites the listener to reflect on the small, meaningful moments that help carry us through life.