Mikula-Xpu-Ha Experiment B/Cro./4T/P SP

Xpu-Ha Experiment by Phillip Mikula for percussion quartet. Pronounced "shpoo-ha", this piece is named after the Mexican beach located on the Mayan River. Located near Xpu-Ha are several Mayan Ruins which have been maintained and preserved in their natural state as left by the Mayan tribes. These ruins possess an unusual acoustic element. When certain rhythms are clapped, other rhythms are heard. The whole exercise produces a groove and tribal-like beat. This piece is a very aggressive, rhythmic, drumming ensemble intended for intense and advanced performers. At times played barbarically and savagely, Xpu-Ha Experiment is written in the form of a tribal dance.

Instrumentation:
Player 1 - 4 timpani, 4 aluminum/metal pots, high cowbell, medium cowbell, wind chimes, police whistle
Player 2 - 4 piccolo woodblocks, splash cymbal, China cymbal, ride cymbal, medium suspended cymbal, slap stick, bongos, pedal bass drum, glockenspiel
Player 3 - 4 brake drums, medium low cowbell, low cowbell, large concert bass drum, floor tom, djembe/conga, crotales
Player 4 - 4 concert toms, pedal bass drum, snare drum, medium gong, large gong, flexatone