Wes Stephens wrote Two Dragons to introduce beginner percussionists to the many facets of multipercussion setups. This rhythmic duet allows players to focus on good technique across multiple surfaces. Simple rhythmic motifs are developed through hocket and hemiola, providing an opportunity for entry-level players to strengthen their confidence with this rhythmic language. This work is a fantastic resource for the classroom or contest repertoire!
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Drums — bongos, congas (2), bass drum (shared)
Cymbals and gongs — opera gong
I didn’t realize how much I wished for a beginner-level multiple-percussion duo in the vein of “Trio per Uno” until I found it manifested here in “Two Dragons.” When I say “beginner level,” I mean exactly that: from a technical and musical standpoint, this two-minute piece can be successfully performed by pretty much anyone who has been a percussionist for a couple of months. Please don’t mistake this for derision, though; the percussion world needs pieces like this bite-sized miracle, which throw open the gates of the big, wonderful world of percussion for students who, even as beginners, can often crave something beyond the standard snare-keyboard-timpani educational canon.
All of the important chamber music and multiple-percussion hallmarks are there, albeit with protective padding: grappling with the (minimized) challenge of producing even sounds on unevenly responsive instruments, negotiating ensemble dynamics and cohesion, etc. I should also point out that, other than calling into question the titular dragons, this piece could just as easily be played on any five drums (besides bass drum, bongos, and congas) and any two contrasting, prominent sounds (besides opera gongs), and still retain nearly all of its effectiveness, making it a supremely accessible and adaptable tool in an educator’s belt, which I could see being employed year after year.
Philosophically, I adore any experience that allows percussionists to ask the question “What is percussion?” early in their education, and “Two Dragons” provides exactly that opportunity while also providing students with something fun and engaging to perform. I strongly encourage any middle-school educator looking to go beyond the conventional areas of beginner percussion education to check this piece out.
—Brian Graiser
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 1, February 2023
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