Kilby-Watchmaker, The (SP)-B/2V/C/X/2M/4T/DS/P/steel band

The Watchmaker by Matthew Kilby is a work for large percussion ensemble and steel band inspired by the precision, craftsmanship, and interconnected mechanics of a handmade watch. Beginning with delicate textures that evoke the careful calibration of gears and springs, the piece gradually develops into a mixed meter groove-driven musical portrait of a mechanism coming to life. Scored for steelpans, keyboard percussion, timpani, drumset, and a wide variety of auxiliary percussion, the work offers performers a colorful palette of sounds that combine to create a constantly evolving musical landscape. Although substantial in size, the piece is written with developing performers in mind and emphasizes the importance of each individual part within the larger ensemble. As the composer notes, the work reflects a central idea shared by both music and mechanics: every component, no matter how small, plays an essential role in making the whole function. This piece ships as a fully bound score or as an instant PDF download for printing or tablet viewing. Individual parts come exclusively in PDF format.

• Number of players: 17+
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Instrumentation:

• Player 1: Glockenspiel
• Player 2: Xylophone, chimes
• Player 3: Vibraphone 1
• Player 4: Vibraphone 2
• Player 5: Marimba 1 (4.3 octave, opt. 5 octave)*
• Player 6: Marimba 2 (4.3 octave, opt. 5 octave)*
• Player 7: 4 Timpani
• Player 8: Drum Set (w/China Cymbal)
• Player 9: Temple Blocks (or 2 Woodblocks), Cowbell, Sizzle Cymbal, Mark Tree
• Player 10: Snare drum
• Player 11: Crash Cymbals, Triangle
• Player 12: Concert bass drum

Steel band Instrumentation