Suite No. 1 by Fred Emory Smith is a perfect piece to challenge intermediate players while still keeping more advanced performers on their toes. This energy-driven piece features a rhythmic motif in 4/4 time that later returns in 7/8, as well as a smooth and lyrical middle section for a nice contrast. There are many conversational elements to the piece, with the melodic line moving from player to player.
For a great execution of this work, players must be able to do a bit of multi-tasking as well as counting through shifting time signatures and tricky rest figures. This is a perfect piece for a college or high school ensemble to program on their next percussion concert.
Instrumentation: Player 1: Snare Drum, Marimba, Tam Tam (shared with player III)
Player 2: Four Concert Toms, GlockenspielPlayer 3: Tambourine, Temple Blocks, Tam Tam (shared with player 1), Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Claves, ShakerPlayer 4: Concert Bass Drum, Chimes, Ride Cymbal, XylophonePlayer 5: Four TimpaniDuration: 4:30
Difficulty: Medium +
