Medium Concert Percussion Ensemble
by Brandon Dittgen
5 Players
Instrumentation:
Player 1: High Tom, High Wood Block Player 2: Medium-High Tom, Medium-High Wood Block Player 3: Medium-Low Tom, Medium-Low Wood Block Player 4: Low Tom Player 5: Kick/Marching Bass Drum [laid flat]
Kohala is the oldest of five volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii. Kohala is estimated to be over one million years old. Echoes of Kohala is written as an impression of Pahu drums, as found in traditional Polynesian dance music. Pahu drums have tall, narrow shells, commonly carved from a coconut tree trunk. The head is made from dried shark skin. This work for 5 percussionists aims to recreate the rich tones of the Hawaiian Pahu drums using common (Western) instruments found in most music programs.
