Rhythmic Expedition (Flex Perc Ens 4-9+)

Rhythmic Expedition is a flex ensemble playable by at least four percussionists, but with the ability to expand to fifteen or more players. The four core parts are Keyboard 1 (any mallet instrument), Snare Drum, Bass Drum, and Timpani (only two drums needed). This ensemble is meant to refine the skills of young percussionists by improving mallet percussion reading, providing a solid introduction to timpani, and reinforcing good technique and rhythm performance.

Genre: Flex Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4-9+
Series: Ignite Series
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 2:40

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

Required for Performance
Keyboard 1: Any instrument, 2 mallets
Snare Drum: 1 pair snare drum sticks
Bass Drum: 1 pair bass drum beaters
Timpani: 29” and 26“ drums, 1 pair medium timpani mallets

Bonus Parts
Keyboard 2: Any instrument, 2 mallets
Keyboard 3: Any instrument, 2 mallets
Tenor Drum: Or Concert Tom, 1 pair snare drum sticks
Suspended Cymbal & Cabasa: 1 pair yarn mallets
Temple Blocks: 1 pair rubber mallets

Program Notes
Rhythmic Expedition is a flex ensemble playable by at least four percussionists, but with the ability to expand to fifteen or more players. The four core parts are Keyboard 1 (any mallet instrument), Snare Drum, Bass Drum, and Timpani (only two drums needed). The keyboard part may be doubled on any other mallet instrument and the snare part can be doubled on a tenor drum or another snare. If desired, the bass drum part may be played on a muffled floor tom.

If expanding with the optional parts, note that all keyboard parts can be doubled on any mallet instrument. In place of temple blocks, five woodblocks of varying pitches may be used. The cabasa part can be played on or doubled with maracas. The tenor drum/tom part can be doubled to include both, or even played on a medium or large hand drum.

This ensemble is meant to refine the skills of young percussionists by improving mallet percussion reading, providing a solid introduction to timpani, and reinforcing good technique and rhythm performance. To maximize the educational experience, each player can learn all the parts until proficiency is achieved. This ensures all students master technique on the instruments involved.

The performance arrangement can be a simple concert arc. If multiple keyboard players are used, two rows can be created with all mallet instruments in the front row with timpani, bass drum, and snare drum in the back.

The IGNITE Series
This unique series was designed specifically for young percussionists as they experience the magic of playing in a percussion ensemble. Each piece provides the director and students with great flexibility – from the number of players to the tempo to the instrumentation.
Light a fire under your students today!