Kilby-Pocket-Sized Funk Machine, The (SP)-B/2V/X/2M/4T/DS/P/BG

Matthew Kilby describes The Pocket-Sized Funk Machine as "a malfunctioning musical box." Scored for advanced percussion ensemble, this work is equal parts funky, off-kilter, and absurd. Groovy bebop lines sputter into minimalist phrases, whirls around the circle of 5ths, and Jacob Collier-inspired beats.

The piece offers a high degree of individual responsibility, with each player providing a unique layer to the grooves and musical episodes. The xylophone player is invited to "lean back" their feel on solo lines; the drum set part may be embellished freely; even the glockenspiel part enjoys an unexpected solo moment over a heavy-hitting percussion beat. Kilby's work is uniquely humorous yet listenable, and is a well-rounded addition to concert programs.

The Pocket-Sized Funk Machine ships as a printed, professionally bound score, and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.

Number of players: 12

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Instrumentation:
• Player 1: Glockenspiel
• Player 2: Vibraphone
• Player 3: Vibraphone
• Player 4: Xylophone
• Player 5: Marimba (4.3 octave)
• Player 6: Marimba (4.5 octave)
• Player 7: 4 timpani
• Player 8: Drum set
• Player 9: Bass guitar
• Player 10: bongos, ratchet, police whistle, flexatone, shaker
• Player 11: slapstick, temple blocks, mark tree, rainstick (share w/Player 12)
• Player 12: rainstick (share w/Player 11) cha cha bell, timbales, jam block, mambo bell, triangle