Stealing the Sandblade - Matt Moore [DIGITAL]

Stealing the Sandblade aims to channel the energy of action/spy films into an intermediate percussion ensemble setting. The piece takes the listener through the story arc: the explosive opening scene, planning the mission, setting off across the desert, the surprise enemy attack, recovering in the desert oasis, a renewed determination to face the challenge, finally snatching the ancient relic, and barely escaping back to safety!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 12
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 3:40

Instrumentation
Player 1: Bells, Crotales (+ bass bow)
Player 2: Xylophone
Player 3: Vibraphone
Player 4: Chimes
Player 5: Marimba [4-octave]
Player 6: Marimba [4.3-octave]
Player 7: 4 Timpani
Player 8: Drum Set
Player 9: Bongos
Player 10: China Cymbal (yarn mallets, SD sticks, bass bow, scraping implement)
Player 11: Suspended Cymbal, Ride Cymbal (yarn mallets, SD sticks, scraping implement)
Player 12: Concert Bass Drum, Egg Shaker, Tam-Tam (BD beaters, scraping implement)

Program Notes
Commissioned by Joon Choe and Aubrey ISD for the opening of their new performing arts center, Stealing the Sandblade aims to channel the energy of action/spy films into an intermediate percussion ensemble setting. The piece takes the listener through the story arc: the explosive opening scene, planning the mission, setting off across the desert, the surprise enemy attack, recovering in the desert oasis, a renewed determination to face the challenge, finally snatching the ancient relic, and barely escaping back to safety!