Medium Easy Concert Percussion Ensemble
by Josh Gottry
11-13 Players
Instrumentation:
Bells (may double or substitute with Vibraphone) Chimes (optional) Xylophone/Marimba 1 [4-octave]** Marimba 2 [4-octave](optional)** Timpani [3 drums] Agogo Bells (optional) Bongos (optional)(may double or substitute Congas or High Toms) Floor Tom Hi-Hat (may double or substitute Cabasa) Wood Block (may double or substitute Claves) Snare Drum Bass Drum
* Like all pieces in the Ignite Series, the instrumentation is flexible for some or all parts. You may perform with as few as 9 players or with as many as you have in your percussion ensemble by doubling parts.
** Marimba 1 & 2 may be played on one 4-octave instrument.
Whatcha Baion? is designed to be a flexible composition for early percussion programs or schools that desire to introduce students to percussion ensemble. It opens with a 2/3 clave, systematically layers additional percussion voices on top, and establishes an audience-friendly groove before jumping into a tuneful keyboard melody in the traditional baion style from Northeastern Brazil. Following a brief percussion break and an abbreviated layering of the groove, the tune returns and leads into an impactful ensemble ending. The piece can be performed with a range of players and uses instruments commonly found in a school band room.
