These Are Odd Times (Perc Ens 7)

Orchestrated for seven players—three keyboard voices, three non-pitched percussion parts, and bass guitar or a second marimba voice—These Are Odd Times is an accessible work ideal for students, directors, and ensembles looking to explore and gain confidence with non-traditional time signatures that will have audiences tapping their feet and bobbing their heads to these odd times.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 7
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 3:50

Instrumentation
Bells/Xylophone
Vibraphone
Marimba 1 [4-octave]
Marimba 2 [4.3-octave, or opt. Bass Guitar]*
Percussion 1: Vibraslap, Woodblock, Ride Cymbal, Triangle
Percussion 2: 2 Bongos, 2 Congas, Tambourine
Drum-Set: Hi-Hat, Snare Drum, Kick Drum
*Both marimba players may share a single 4.3-octave marimba

Program Notes
With a melody drawn from the final etude of Two Steps Forward, These Are Odd Times is a driving percussion ensemble that weaves its way through several odd-numbered time signatures, including 5/8, 7/8, and 9/8, yet clearly retains a spirited energy and a comfortable groove. Humorously, the one measure in the piece utilizing a 4/4 time signature is silent for all parts. All keyboard parts are playable with two mallets throughout and lie nicely in the hands. The drumset part (bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat) utilizes several ostinatos that make these atypical time signatures settle into a very secure groove and the additional accessory percussion voices add some nice color moments and support to the melodic and accompanimental lines. Orchestrated for seven players—three keyboard voices, three non-pitched percussion parts, and bass guitar or a second marimba voice—this is an accessible work ideal for students, directors, and ensembles looking to explore and gain confidence with non-traditional time signatures that will have audiences tapping their feet and bobbing their heads to these odd times.