Roundabout (Perc Ens 3)

Roundabout is a visually and aurally captivating non-pitched percussion trio based on two simple key elements: the first, a circular ensemble set‐up surrounding a single, shared ride cymbal and second, the incorporation of various licks and pseudo‐melodic or rhythmic fragments from jazz standards. Listen closely and you can hear a bit of "Oleo" by Sonny Rollins, "Scrapple from the Apple" by Charlie Parker, "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima, "Take the 'A' Train" by Billy Strayhorn, "Spain" by Chick Corea, and even a brief nod to "Roundabout" by the progressive rock band Yes. Utilizing instruments that are typical components of a drumset, along with a few commonly found Latin percussion add‐ons, this is an excellent work for developing ensemble alignment and precision as performers are challenged to unite three individual parts as if they were performed a single drumset player.

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

Instrumentation
Percussion 1 (Wood Block, Snare Drum, High Tom, Ride Cymbal*, Splash Cymbal)
Percussion 2 (Hi-Hat, Low Tom, Cowbell, Bongos, Ride Cymbal*)
Percussion 3 (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Ride Cymbal*, China Cymbal)

*Single shared Ride Cymbal

Program Notes
The title of this work – Roundabout – is in reference to its two key elements: first, the circular set-up of the ensemble surrounding a single, shared ride cymbal; and second, the incorporation of various licks and pseudo-melodic or rhythmic fragments from jazz standards. Listen closely and you can hear a bit of "Oleo" by Sonny Rollins, "Scrapple from the Apple" by Charlie Parker, "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima, "Take the 'A' Train" by Billy Strayhorn, "Spain" by Chick Corea, and even a brief nod to "Roundabout" by the progressive rock band Yes. In addition to the centrally located, shared ride cymbal, the other instruments utilized are typical components of a drumset, along with a few commonly found Latin percussion add-ons. The key to a successful performance of this work lies the precise alignment and cooperation of the ensemble to present the trio as if it were performed a single drumset player.