Secure the Perimeter - Amanda Sycamore [DIGITAL]

Secure the Perimeter is perfect for the first-year percussion ensemble. Mallet parts stay within the C Major scale and rely mostly on stepwise motion to accommodate early pitched music reading, while the battery parts are well within the rhythm reading skills of first-year percussion students, and even allow for some simple multiple instrument changes.

Genre: Flex Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 6+
Series: Ignite Series
Level: Medium Easy | Duration: 2:40

Instrumentation
Glockenspiel (may double with Vibraphone)
Xylophone (may double with Marimba)
Marimba [4-octave] (may double with Vibraphone or Marimba)
Snare Drum (one or more players)
Auxiliary Percussion 1: Bass Drum (may substitute Low Tom), Triangle
Auxiliary Percussion 2: Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal

Program Notes
I was asked to write an ensemble piece for first-year percussion students, and so I set out to write mallet parts that stayed within the C Major scale and that relied mostly on stepwise motion to accommodate early pitched music reading. Use of larger intervals and double stops appeared as the piece progressed, but are mainly in slower rhythms to allow for easier reading. The battery parts were well within the rhythm reading skills of early percussion students and even allowed for some simple multiple instrument set ups for two of the players as an introduction to the parts they would be reading in band as they progressed.

The inspiration for the melodies to Secure the Perimeter was watching my small Lhasa Apso puppy patrol the fence every night before bedtime to make sure the yard was clear of 'intruders'. Every once in awhile, he would bark with his tail held high in triumph, and then continue his patrol.

– A.S.

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!