Flutterings

Flutterings features an almost constant rustling of sound, using a wide array of conventional auxiliary percussion instruments and some unconventional "found" instruments, most notably small pillows, hand towels, and cardboard squares (or boxes). Written with the idea that each percussionist could pack all (or most) of his required gear into a suitcase, Flutterings relies on idiomatic percussion rhythms while avoiding the frequent bombastic nature of "drumming music."

Program Notes

Flutterings features an almost constant rustling of sound, using a wide array of conventional auxiliary percussion instruments and some unconventional "found" instruments, most notably small pillows, hand towels, and cardboard squares (or boxes). Written with the idea that each percussionist could pack all (or most) of his required gear into a suitcase, Flutterings relies on idiomatic percussion rhythms while avoiding the frequent bombastic nature of "drumming music." Idiomatic though its rhythms may be, Flutterings often requires the overlapping of contrasting rhythms and beat subdivisions between players, resulting in complex cross-rhythms that camouflage the basic pulse. Set mainly in 3/4 meter, the work draws heavily upon two main rhythms, a driving straightforward 16th note feel and the basic "jazz ride" feel. These rhythms appear in various guises, starting on various beats of the measure, and using various note durations. Listeners may find themselves tapping their foot to the groove one moment, and wondering where the true pulse is in the next. The colorful variety of instruments used ensures that the percussionists' "flutterings" continually change colors as the music moves onward. I hope you enjoy seeing and hearing percussion in some new ways as you experience this fun piece.

Grade Level: 3
Copyright: 2016
Number of Players: 4
Duration: 7:15

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

Player 1
Brushes (pair)
Drumsticks (pair)
A pencil, pen, or thin stick
12"-16" square of cardboard (or similar surface)
Maracas (pair)
Hand Towel (wet and wrung out)
Small, firm pillow (e.g., a decorative couch pillow)
One or more sheets of newspaper

Player 2
Brushes (pair)
Drumsticks (pair)
12"-16" square of cardboard (or similar surface)
Cabasa
Wooden spoons (pair; either serving spoons or eating utensils)
Finger Cymbals (pair)
One or more sheets of newspaper

Player 3
Brushes (pair)
Drumsticks (pair)
12"-16" square of cardboard (or similar surface)
Eggshaker
Guiro (and stick)
Bamboo Chimes (shared with Player 4)
Wood blocks (three, pitched high to low)
Small, firm pillow (e.g., a decorative couch pillow)
One or more sheets of newspaper

Player 4
Brushes (pair)
Drumsticks (pair)
12"-16" square of cardboard (or similar surface)
Large rainstick
Sandpaper blocks
Vibraslap
Castanets (mounted horizontally)
Bamboo Chimes (shared with Player 3)
Hand Towel (wet and wrung out)
Small, firm pillow (e.g., a decorative couch pillow)

Optional Player 5
Crash Cymbals (pair)