Poltergeist (Flex Perc Ens 7-11+)

Poltergeist by Robert Clayson is an easy to intermediate flexible percussion ensemble that portrays those situations where odd things just tend to happen with no explanation. This piece will be a great way to either open or close a percussion ensemble concert.

Genre: Flex Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 7-11+
Series: The Ignite Series
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 3:40

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Required for Performance
Xylophone
Vibraphone
Marimba 1: 4.3-octave*
Percussion 1: Suspended Cymbal (medium), Snare Drum
Percussion 2: Wind Chimes, Kick Drum (mounted), Hi-Hat
Percussion 3: Suspended Cymbal (small), 3 Concert Toms

Bonus Parts
Chimes
Marimba 2: 4.3-octave*
Timpani: 2 drums
Percussion 4: Tam-Tam

*Marimba 1 and 2 can share a single 4.3-octave marimba.

Program Notes
Poltergeist is dedicated to Carroll High School in Ozark, Alabama who premiered it at the Wiregrass Percussion Festival in New Brockton, Alabama in May of 2025. With this piece, I knew from the outset that I wanted something that would be aggressive and exciting but also have a slow section. This road map quickly turned into a creepy soundscape for the first part of the piece, and the title of “Poltergeist” was born. This piece should be a great way to open or close a concert for any young percussion ensemble.