by Matthew Kilby
12 players
Instrumentation:
Glockenspiel
Xylophone
2 vibraphones
2 marimbas — (1) low A, (1) low F
4 timpani
Drumset
Bass guitar
Drums — bongos, timbales
Accessories — ratchet, police whistle, flexatone, slapstick, temple blocks, mark tree, rainstick, cha cha bell, jam block, mambo bell, triangle
Matthew Kilby describes The Pocket-Sized Funk Machine as "a malfunctioning musical box." Scored for advanced percussion ensemble, this work is equal parts funky, off-kilter, and absurd. Groovy bebop lines sputter into minimalist phrases, whirls around the circle of 5ths, and Jacob Collier-inspired beats.
The piece offers a high degree of individual responsibility, with each player providing a unique layer to the grooves and musical episodes. The xylophone player is invited to "lean back" their feel on solo lines; the drumset part may be embellished freely; even the glockenspiel part enjoys an unexpected solo moment over a heavy-hitting percussion beat. Kilby's work is uniquely humorous yet listenable, and is a well-rounded addition to concert programs!
The Pocket-Sized Funk Machine ships as a printed, professionally bound score, and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.
