Ptacin-Dark Filaments (SP)-B/V/C/X/M/4T/P

Dark Filaments was written by Michael Ptacin for 8 players at the advanced middle school or beginning high school level. The title refers to two threads (filaments) that run throughout the work, one melodic and one rhythmic. The main melodic idea is presented in the bells in measure 7. The pitch set is limited to G-A-B-flat-D-E in order make it approachable for younger players who may be new to mallet percussion. The xylophone introduces the main rhythmic motive in measure 18, which later occurs in keyboard and non-pitched percussion instruments. Most players utilize multiple instruments throughout the work. A couple parts were written using only one or two instruments should navigating multiple instruments be difficult for some players.

Number of players: 8
Difficulty: Intermediate

Instrumentation

Player 1: Bells, Marimba (4.3 octave) (shared w/ Perc. 4 & 5)
Player 2: Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Xylophone
Player 3: Vibraphone (shared w/ Perc. 4), Mark Tree
Player 4: Vibraphone (shared w/ Perc. 3), Marimba (4.3 oct.) (shared w/ Perc. 1 & 5)
Player 5: Chimes, Suspended Cymbal, Woodblock, Marimba (4 oct.) (shared w/ Perc. 1 & 4)
Player 6: Timpani (4), Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal (on 23" timpano)
Player 7: Concert Bass Drum
Player 8: Snare Drum, Sizzle Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, Cabasa