by Brian Slawson
4 players
Instrumentation: Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, 2 marimbas*—(1) 4-octave, (1) low A
*If two marimbas aren't available, both marimba parts may be played by sharing one low A marimba.
El Paso Waltz is written for beginning mallet ensembles so that each student in the quartet provides a specific function: The vibraphone carries the melody; One of the marimba players outlines the chords while the other supplies the bass; The glockenspiel, as is typical in a variety of settings, brings color to the arrangement.
If performed in a pleasant, light-hearted way, El Paso Waltz should demonstrate a carnival-like quality. This piece helps young players develop tremolo sensitivity and encourages eye contact, body language, and musical communication during slower tempos.
This piece comes with a full, bound score and includes a CD-Rom containing an audio recording and all individual parts available for printing.
