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The holidays just got a little warmer with Caliente Christmas. A Latin-tinged percussion ensemble piece for 10–11 players, it includes a medley of Good King Wenceslas in odd-metered variations, an ethereal and relaxed Silent Night, and an Afro-Cuban version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Of particular note is the featuring of a unique percussion instrument arranger Rick Dior likes to call a “slapaphone,” which consists of 3” PVC pipes in five different pitches and played with rubber-lined wooden paddles (think Blue Man Group). Alternative options are outlined in the notes for those less interested in building a custom instrument.
There is plenty of room for improvisation throughout the arrangement. With heavy use of Guaguancó, Mozambique, and Songo rhythms, it gives the drumset and percussion players a great way to highlight their command of these grooves. Add some spice to your next holiday concert with Caliente Christmas!
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
As arctic air moves in and the holidays approach, some may be looking to vacation in a warmer climate. While a destination getaway may not be in your holiday plans, you can definitely heat up your concert with this unique interpretation of traditional Christmas carols. Audiences will recognize the familiar melodies of “Good King Wenceslas,” “Silent Night,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Yet, the implementation of various styles sets this arrangement apart from other similar selections.
Scored for 10–11 players, this ensemble piece will keep a large advanced high school or college studio busy. At over eight minutes long, I find the piece is a little lengthy. However, the stylistic variance helps to keep the performers and audience members engaged. The traditional Afro- Cuban rhythms included are guaguanco, mozambique, and songo. As with many Latin-inspired works, there is an abundance of syncopation throughout this piece.
In addition to the unique interpretation, Dior includes a novel instrument, which he calls the “slapaphone.” The instrument consists of five pitched PVC pipe tubes. Many will likely associate the instrument with the Blue Man Group. Dior indicates that alternate options are available, such as performing the part on a marimba. This is helpful for anyone who does not have the time, resources, or desire to construct the instrument.
—Darin Olson
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
The holidays just got a little warmer with Caliente Christmas. A Latin-tinged percussion ensemble piece for 10–11 players, it includes a medley of Good King Wenceslas in odd-metered variations, an ethereal and relaxed Silent Night, and an Afro-Cuban version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Of particular note is the featuring of a unique percussion instrument arranger Rick Dior likes to call a “slapaphone,” which consists of 3” PVC pipes in five different pitches and played with rubber-lined wooden paddles (think Blue Man Group). Alternative options are outlined in the notes for those less interested in building a custom instrument.
There is plenty of room for improvisation throughout the arrangement. With heavy use of Guaguancó, Mozambique, and Songo rhythms, it gives the drumset and percussion players a great way to highlight their command of these grooves. Add some spice to your next holiday concert with Caliente Christmas!
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
As arctic air moves in and the holidays approach, some may be looking to vacation in a warmer climate. While a destination getaway may not be in your holiday plans, you can definitely heat up your concert with this unique interpretation of traditional Christmas carols. Audiences will recognize the familiar melodies of “Good King Wenceslas,” “Silent Night,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Yet, the implementation of various styles sets this arrangement apart from other similar selections.
Scored for 10–11 players, this ensemble piece will keep a large advanced high school or college studio busy. At over eight minutes long, I find the piece is a little lengthy. However, the stylistic variance helps to keep the performers and audience members engaged. The traditional Afro- Cuban rhythms included are guaguanco, mozambique, and songo. As with many Latin-inspired works, there is an abundance of syncopation throughout this piece.
In addition to the unique interpretation, Dior includes a novel instrument, which he calls the “slapaphone.” The instrument consists of five pitched PVC pipe tubes. Many will likely associate the instrument with the Blue Man Group. Dior indicates that alternate options are available, such as performing the part on a marimba. This is helpful for anyone who does not have the time, resources, or desire to construct the instrument.
—Darin Olson
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
