Stout-Chameleon, The (SP)-B/V/C/X/3M/4T/P

As the name implies, it is a piece about colors, or more specifically, changing colors. After a short dramatic opening, the piece kicks into the main theme--a straight forward pop/jazz/fusion section featuring vibraphone with a tricky 3-mallet-in-one-hand set-up. This gives way to a nice mixed-meter marimba feature with bells and vibes responding in sort of a question-and-answer fashion which makes up the second major statement. Next is a nice SLOW & easy "blue" section featuring a tasty vibes solo. Then elements of the first two major themes are introduced into the blue motif (a combination of the colors..."earth tones") which results in an outright (up-tempo) reprisal of the opening themes, a short drum-set solo, and a bright mixed-meter conclusion ending in a rock-type improv. finish. This is a really fun piece

Number of Players-12-13
Difficulty: Grade 4
Instrumentation:
Player I: Vibes
Player II: Marimba
Player III: Marimba
Player IV: Xylo. Bells
Player V: Marimba
Player VI: Marimba
Player VII: Timpani
Player VIII: Aux. 1
Player IX: Aux. II
Player X: Aux. III
Player XI: Aux. IV
Player XII: Drumset


Andrew Stout directs the Athens (Ohio) High School Percussion Ensemble. An accomplished keyboard-percussionists, he composes and arranges for both percussion ensemble and marching band. He is also a marching percussion instructor and adjudicator.