Gottry-Bump in the Night (SP)-P

Doing less with more, Bump in the Night by Josh Gottry utilizes common non-pitched percussion instruments, including drums and percussion accessories, in an ensemble for 7-11 players that is derived entirely from only three unique measures of music per part. Explore not so common meters (5/4 and 7/8), creative orchestration, and a wide variety of ensemble textures, layers, and dialogs in this engaging and pedagogical work for younger percussion ensembles.

Number of players: 7-11
Difficulty: Elementary/intermediate

Instrumentation

Player 1: Guiro & Triangle
Player 2: Cowbell & Woodblock
Player 3: Bongos
Player 4: Conga & Tambourine
Player 5: Snare Drum
Player 6: 2 Concert Toms
Player 7: Bass Drum & Ride Cymbal

Program Notes
Creatively sourced from only three unique measures of music per part (one measure in 5/4 and a pair of measures in 7/8), Bump in the Night is an engaging and pedagogical work for younger ensembles exploring meter, orchestration, and ensemble awareness. Presenting a perceived complexity for listeners far greater than the limited musical resources utilized, each of the unique measures within each part is presented in multiple ways, in whole and in various parts, layered over other voices or as passing dialog within the ensemble, and spanning a full range of dynamics, creating much interest out of very little. Alternating between an insistent 5/4 and energetic 7/8, performers also enjoy and explore some less common meters in this non-pitched percussion ensemble. Depending on the number of players available, the following parts may be played by either one or two players:

• Guiro & Triangle
• Cowbell & Woodblock
• Conga & Tambourine
• Bass Drum & Suspended Cymbal