TIMPANI SOLOS

"Inspiration for Da Coyote Gets da Boid came from my fascination with the iconic Looney Tunes cartoon characters of Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. The three movements represent my musical interpretation of two classic and one imagined scene from the series" - RSC.  Scored for four timpani and a large cymbal.  college/professional.

A challenging solo for four drums.  In two contrasting movements, this work makes use of a variety of fascinating techniques, including the use of a Chinese cymbal on one drum to create an interesting effect in the second movement. This would be a great choice for an advanced level recital. advanced high school/college.

Scored for four timpani, this is a challenging work intended for the experienced performer - ca. 19 minutes in length. The work moves through many different textural scenarios and contrasts - forceful attacks to subtle entrances, thick orchestration to thin, always requiring attention to musical detail and nuance. CD includes the performance soundscape as well as segment tracks for rehearsal purposes. college/professional.

Starts softly then proceeds to rock!  Scored for four timpani, this work requires numerous pitch changes - a challenging piece, appropriate for advanced level recitals - ca. 5' in length.  college/professional.

Gray 102 is a timpani solo for four drums, which features subtlety as its focal point. Through the use of quiet dynamics, short melodic motives, ringing chords and a nod to funk-influenced bass lines, the timpanist is afforded the chance to explore a unique musical landscape. The primary issues here for the performer involve pedaling, tone production and an overall awareness of the musical capabilities of the instrument. advanced high school/college.

The focus of this challenging piece is to explore the many different expressive nuances of timpani – focusing particularly on frequent pitch changes and the different types of sounds available from these magnificent instruments.  Rhythms employed in the work are based on the structure of Zortzico, a popular round dance in quintuple meter from the Basque region of northern Spain. Hence the “Z” in the title.  MALLETS: Medium, Soft, Hard, Wood, Superball Mallet (1) & Suspended Cymbal (1) (preferably medium crash).  college/professional.

 IMPROMPTU ZETA was awarded the Third Prize in Cat. A, in the VIII International Composition Contest for Percussion 2010, organized by the Italy Percussive Arts Society.

Challenging solo for five drums. Inspired by the recent events of 9/11 in New York City, Orange Alert was conceived as a tour-de-force for an advanced timpanist. It moves between moments of quiet foreboding, to outbursts of controlled chaos. The centerpiece of the work is a fugue that appears at rehearsal letter [F]. One of six movements in Homeland Security Suite for Percussion. college/professional.

Challenging solo for five timpani - First place winner in the PAS Composition Contest 2006!

Solo that utilizes two and four mallet techniques (yes it is a timpani piece!), multiple tuning changes. Unique piece for adv. high school/college level.
". . . a fine solo. . . musically interesting, technically challenging and it is not too long. Educators and students will enjoy this work. . ."
(Percussive Notes)

Solo in three diverse stylistic movements, a challenging work-out. 2nd movement adds a temple bowl and triangle for effect. The 3rd movement draws inspiration from a ubiquitous African rhythm pattern. Well suited for an advanced recital.
adv. high school/college.

Challenging six minute work for four timpani and piano. Well suited for recitals. college/professional.
". . . a fine timpani solo
for the intermediate timpanist."
(Percussive Notes)

A great piece for recitals; allows the player a chance to explore a variety of contemporary performance techniques, in a work that is stimulating and accessible to both players and listeners. adv. high school/college. 

Four challenging etudes, that utilize sophisticated contemporary techniques. college/professional.  ". . . a set of four advanced etudes . . . which are contrasting in style and mood. . . Each . . . contain(s) sufficient interest to stand alone as a solo. . . Highly recommended for the advanced performer." (Percussive Notes)