Work in Progress =
Percussion Ensemble Commission
from
Denton High School
(Paper Piece)
Percussionist = someone who can execute a command at a specific time
I have chosen to use only paper as an instrument for this percussion ensemble piece (that includes anything made completely out of paper such as paper bags, boxes, etc.). I have recently decided to amplify the paper sounds using two dynamic microphones at opposite ends of the stage (most high schools own a PA system and some dynamic microphones).
Click on the following links for samples of a box and paper sequences and how I have chosen to score them. I have also provided a link to the folder where I have uploaded many of the box movements I have videoed in order to have materials to compose from.
- Box sequence video
- Box sequence score draft
- Additional box videos used for compositional material
- Paper sequence video
- Paper sequence score draft
The following is an audio mock up of a paper sequence (an ostinato created by two people at each of the two microphones). This ostinato will lay down a foundation for a great deal of box choreography. The rhythm and left to right passing of sound was inspired by hip hop. I plan on starting the sequence so it sounds as though it begins on the beat rather than as having two sixteenth note pickups – the entrance of percussionists playing boxes will erase that ambiguity.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
without click to show ambiguity before more rhythms are added
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
with click to show beat
POSSIBLE PAPER MATERIALS
- paper bag (pop)
- notebook paper
- news paper
- shipping tubes
- boxes
- playing cards
- index cards
- toilet paper
- ream of paper
- wax paper
- sand paper
- paper plates and cups (the cup game)
ACTIONS
rip
- fake rip (using mouth sound)
crumble
- accordion crumble (in out rhythm)
- continuous sound (by rolling around between hands making a ball- can be a precise rhythm)
- continuous sound (by rolling between hands like making a clay snake – can be a precise rhythm)
rub
- two pieces together (like sand paper blocks in concert music)
- one piece folded
pop
- pull on paper in opposite directions (without ripping)
- pop a paper bag (VERY VERY VERY LOUD)
- paper popper – origami
wave
- like a thunder sheet
shuffle
- cards (playing or index cards)
- book pages
- large stack of paper
thump (bass)
- hit a very large cardboard box with your hands (double layered Dell box – great bass!)
- drop a box of paper on floor
pitched
- different size boxes
- tubes
VISUAL EFFECTS
- 52 card pickup
- throw paper airplanes
- have a large piece of paper with the title of the piece on it, begin piece by holding up paper then ripping it rhythmically (start out as if not part of piece – slowly get into being obviously rhythmic)
INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS, etc.