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Stormbreak (Download)
Stormbreak was written by Jim Casella for intermediate ensembles as a sequel of sorts to Technology, another moderately simple piece for percussion octet by Casella that has since become quite popular. Opening with nature-effect sounds, the storm breaks into a rhythmic “tip of the hat” to Technology on the rim of the snare drum. As rhythmic layers add in, the syncopated motif of Stormbreak becomes clear and continues to drive the piece throughout.
Certain parts are more challenging than others, and syncopation is of particular demand. However, numerous repeat bars are used, as the primary goal is to develop the players’ collective ability to understand how their parts groove and interact within the mix of their fellow groove-playing compadres. For more advanced players in the ensemble, solo sections are included which feature timpani, snare drum, and concert toms.
Stormbreak can stand alone as a percussion octet, but it also comes with the option of being played by a full wind ensemble. During wind ensemble concerts, the percussion section can sometimes be relegated to the back. So this option acts as something of a percussion ensemble “feature” that can be programmed into wind ensemble concerts.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
“We performed the selection "Stormbreak" at our concert on Tuesday evening and it was a crowd favorite for sure...even brought the audience to their feet for our junior and senior percussion ensemble members!”
–Doug Gibson, band director, Oskaloosa, IA
=========
Written as a follow-up to his popular percussion ensemble piece “Technology,” “Stormbreak” is a creative new work for beginning to intermediate percussion octet. The score exists in two versions: as a stand-alone chamber piece and as a feature for percussion octet with wind ensemble. The percussion parts are exactly the same in each version.
All of the percussion instruments are common to public school music programs, and the wind ensemble scoring is accessible to middle school and/or high school students. While some syncopation is used in the wind parts, it is almost always presented in unison with the percussion. The percussion parts are written with the varying levels of students in mind, with more advanced parts having solo passages and other parts focusing on repetitive ostinatos.
In addition to its potential in scholastic band programs, this piece would hopefully be appealing to directors of honor bands or all-region events as a showcase for the percussion section with limited rehearsal time.
–Jason Baker
Percussive Notes
Vol. 48, No. 4, July 2010
Stormbreak was written by Jim Casella for intermediate ensembles as a sequel of sorts to Technology, another moderately simple piece for percussion octet by Casella that has since become quite popular. Opening with nature-effect sounds, the storm breaks into a rhythmic “tip of the hat” to Technology on the rim of the snare drum. As rhythmic layers add in, the syncopated motif of Stormbreak becomes clear and continues to drive the piece throughout.
Certain parts are more challenging than others, and syncopation is of particular demand. However, numerous repeat bars are used, as the primary goal is to develop the players’ collective ability to understand how their parts groove and interact within the mix of their fellow groove-playing compadres. For more advanced players in the ensemble, solo sections are included which feature timpani, snare drum, and concert toms.
Stormbreak can stand alone as a percussion octet, but it also comes with the option of being played by a full wind ensemble. During wind ensemble concerts, the percussion section can sometimes be relegated to the back. So this option acts as something of a percussion ensemble “feature” that can be programmed into wind ensemble concerts.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
“We performed the selection "Stormbreak" at our concert on Tuesday evening and it was a crowd favorite for sure...even brought the audience to their feet for our junior and senior percussion ensemble members!”
–Doug Gibson, band director, Oskaloosa, IA
=========
Written as a follow-up to his popular percussion ensemble piece “Technology,” “Stormbreak” is a creative new work for beginning to intermediate percussion octet. The score exists in two versions: as a stand-alone chamber piece and as a feature for percussion octet with wind ensemble. The percussion parts are exactly the same in each version.
All of the percussion instruments are common to public school music programs, and the wind ensemble scoring is accessible to middle school and/or high school students. While some syncopation is used in the wind parts, it is almost always presented in unison with the percussion. The percussion parts are written with the varying levels of students in mind, with more advanced parts having solo passages and other parts focusing on repetitive ostinatos.
In addition to its potential in scholastic band programs, this piece would hopefully be appealing to directors of honor bands or all-region events as a showcase for the percussion section with limited rehearsal time.
–Jason Baker
Percussive Notes
Vol. 48, No. 4, July 2010
