Hummingbird by Michael Charles Smith is a delightful work for solo marimba that will fit in very well to a medium-level player's repertoire. It can be a great way to bridge the gap between beginner works and harder works for four-mallet marimba, but it is also a musically interesting piece in its own right.
The work uses a consistent 6/8 feel throughout, separated halfway through with an atmospheric slower section that rhythmically emulates a bouncing ball or an echo. There are countless opportunities to make musical decisions and make a piece reflect the performer.
Difficulty: Medium
Duration: 5:50
Requires 4.3-Octave Marimba