When We Rise... (Perc Ens 17-18)

When We Rise... is a high energy large percussion ensemble piece that provides challenges for any kind of player in your ensemble. It was written to provide a space for all to be able to play no matter their playing level. The piece begins with wind chimes and layers in the crotales playing out morse code for the word "Rise" and moves into an underlying groove and melody that can be heard throughout.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 17-18
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)
Glockenspiel
Crotales (2 octaves)
Vibraphone 1 (1 pair mallets, 2 bass bows)
Vibraphone 2 (1 pair mallets, 2 bass bows)
Marimba 1 (4-octave)
Marimba 2 (4-octave)
Marimba 3 (4.3-octave)
Marimba 4 (5- or 4.3-octave)

Snare Drum 1
Snare Drum 2 + Hi-Hat
4 Concert Toms

Percussion 1: Suspended Cymbal, Small Woodblock, China Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Ride Cymbal
Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal, Hi-Hat, Sizzle Cymbal
Percussion 3: Suspended Cymbal, Ride Cymbal, Triangle
Percussion 4: Mark Tree, Sizzle Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 5: Concert Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tam-Tam
Percussion 6: Suspended Cymbal [optional]

Program Notes
When We Rise... was written for the West Hall High School Percussion Ensemble for their Grand Opening of the West Hall Fine Arts Center. When I first started writing this piece, I had gone through several different themes, but none of them seemed to fit the theme I was going for. I kept thinking of the hard work the kids had put in throughout the years and I wanted to write something that would show that. I wanted it to show the determination, the grind, and the passion that every kid in the ensemble, and those before them, have brought to the program. The first word that came to mind was “Rise,” which led me to use morse code and build a theme around the word.

The piece begins centered around the crotales playing morse code of the word “Rise”. There is a subtle build of metallic instruments splitting simplistic rhythms revolving around the morse code, while the wind chimes add brightness and a lush tone. Listen for the lower marimba as it sets the groove for the entire piece and will be revisited throughout each section. After the main theme, tension builds in an intense 3/4 section until the theme bursts through in a heavy, powerful half time feel. The piece is connected through a never ceasing flow of energy that inevitably captures the essence of When We Rise...