Shockwave! (Download)

“Shockwave” is a “short, accessible, and drummy piece for beginner-level percussion ensembles. It serves as an introduction to antiphonal performance, with the group often split into halves — Players 1–4 on stage right, and Players 5–8 on stage left. Other simple textures are also explored, such as unison playing and basic hocketing between players. This piece is perfect for ensembles of developing percussionists!”

I love what the composer has done with this piece. If there was ever a quintessential piece to teach ensemble dynamics and control, “Shockwave” is it.

It is everything one would want in a beginning drumming piece — exciting, engaging, and lots of opportunity for pedagogy, both from a technical/rhythmic standpoint and ensemble balance and timing. The parts could easily be doubled if you need to accommodate more than eight players.

“Shockwave” needs to be in every percussion director’s library. I would consider it essential programming for the beginning percussion ensemble.

—Joe Millea
Percussive Notes
Vol. 60, No. 3, June 2022