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Episodes for Percussion Trio explores the rhythmic and timbre possibilities of three percussionists with a minimum of percussion instruments. After a brief introduction wherein each percussionist performs improvisation, the work leads to a subtle rhythmic first section, or Episode. Episode 2 is performed entirely with hands and fingers as it is fast and rhythmic. Episode 3 starts with a short improvisation section on vibes, xylophone and bells which leads to a slow section of interweaving melodic lines. Episode 4 concludes the work and is fast and of virtuoso caliber throughout.
Number of Players: 3
Difficulty: Grade 6
Instrumentation:
Player I: Xylophone (shared with player II), Vibraphone, Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Temple Blocks
Player II: Snare Drum, 4 Concert Tom-Toms, Xylophone (shared with player I)
Player III: 2 Timpani, Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Bells
John R. Beck has performed with a wide variety of ensembles in a diversity of musical styles. He joined the artist-faculty at the North Carolina School of the Arts in 1998, and is a percussionist with the Winston-Salem and Greensboro symphony orchestras, Brass Band of Battle Creek, and the Philidor Percussion Group. A former member of the United States Marine Band, he performed regularly with the National and Baltimore symphonies, Washington and Baltimore operas, and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center.
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