Keown-Red Sky (SP)-B/V/X/1-2M/P

Set sail on an adventurous voyage with Red Sky, a thematic percussion ensemble by Alan Keown. Created for an 8-player ensemble with a medium skill level, this piece transports you into an unpredictable narrative between the elements and those who brave the open waters.

Red Sky is comprised of three connected movements: morning/the trip out of the harbor, the storm, and the trip back. Each section features unique musical elements that will engage students. From the serene and cinematic opening and jaunty 6/8 jig, to the aggressive full ensemble drumming section, this is a piece that students will be thrilled to rehearse and perform.

While the piece requires a number of unique instruments, such as a ship's bell and ocean drum, the overall footprint of the ensemble is relatively small, perfect for a small chamber ensemble or percussion ensemble concerts.

Red Sky ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.

Additional Information:

• Number of players: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Instrumentation:
• Player 1: Glockenspiel, suspended cymbal
• Player 2: Xylophone, mark tree, triangle, suspended cymbal, high concert tom
• Player 3: Vibraphone, medium concert tom, suspended cymbal
• Player 4: Marimba 1 (4 octave; may be shared w/Player 5), ratchet, woodblock, suspended cymbal, low concert tom
• Player 5: Marimba 2 (4.3 octave), low conga, China cymbal
• Player 6: Ocean drum, tambourine, high conga, suspended cymbal, ship’s bell (shared)
• Player 7: Ship’s bell (shared), China cymbal, concert snare drum
• Player 8: Concert bass drum, ship’s bell (shared)