Ward-Funk Infusion (SP)-B/V/X/M/P/BG

Funk Infusion by Scott Ward for percussion ensemble. The word "funk" has been applied to many different types of music. Funk music often de-emphasizes melody and harmony by bringing rhythm to the foreground, where intricate rhythmic patterns are layered together to create an intense, hard-driving groove. However, the "funk" label has also been applied to music with a more relaxing, mellow groove. Funk Infusion takes both of these contrasting styles and "fuses" them together, creating a piece which has the best of both worlds. The beginning section provides a straight-ahead groove while the contrasting middle section has a more relaxed 12/8 "half-time" feel. The mellow groove slowly builds to a climax, then transitions back into the original groove. Whether you prefer your funk hard-driving or laid back, this composition will have the players and the audience "feelin' the funk" in no time.

Instrumentation (8-9 players):
Bells, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Marimba 1*, Marimba 2*, Bass Guitar (optional), Drum Set, Percussion 1 (congas), Percussion 2 (cowbell, shaker, tambourine, triangle)* The two marimba parts may be performed on one low-A instrument.