Structures (Mallet Quartet)

Structures is a haunting and groove-based mallet quartet that builds on itself until arriving at the finished product. Along the way, players develop motifs of self-reflection and nostalgia into complex constructions that will evoke musicality and emotion in performers and listeners alike.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4:45

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)
Vibraphone 1 4 mallets, 2 rutes, acrylic (pitch bend) mallet
Vibraphone 2 4 mallets, acryllic (pitch bend) mallet
Marimba 1 4.3-octave
Marimba 2 5.0-octave

Program Notes
Structures is a mallet quartet that I wrote for a group of students at Bartlesville High School (OK), including Celeste Griffin, Karmandy Marsheck, Ethan Munn, and Kiana Takahashi. They performed the world premiere at the 2024 Oklahoma Day of Percussion at Oklahoma City University.

The idea is to slowly build from a simple motif of two major sixths, into a greater whole (as the name implies). As you construct, the piece rises and falls. This is a representation of growth. In my experience, often we start with something small and build it into what we think it should be, Only to realize we must tear it down and try another way. "Structures" parallels the highs and lows of growth, self-reflection, and contentment. Finally arriving at what you have been working for, measure 117 is what you have been building all along.