Streetmosphere

This funky new duet by Danny Raymond does not disappoint! Raymond is well known for writing groove oriented, often drum-corps inspired pieces that are educational, entertaining, and challenging. “Streetmosphere” fits comfortably into this tradition as an approachable duet for snare drum and mounted bass drum, which features rhythms from the rumba and guaguanco styles while offering room for the players to make the piece their own.

In a form reminiscent of a drumline cadence, this piece provides an opportunity for two intermediate performers to be introduced to, or showcase their skills in marching percussion, the Latin styles of rumba and guaguanco, and/ or chamber music. While accessible for players with a variety of playing experiences, there are isolated sections with exposed rolls and tricky sticking in the snare drum part. In the bass drum part, there are frequent syncopations where the player is asked to navigate between the drum and a mounted cowbell, although it has notably fewer notes than the snare drum part.

With its high energy, short length, and repetition, this piece is very audience friendly and worthy of consideration for high school or advanced middle school students interested in solo and ensemble playing. The score is cleanly notated and comes with digital parts and a notation key. In addition, Raymond offers useful performance notes for both the snare drum and bass drum parts to aid with preparing the piece, instrument substitutions, or even orchestrating it as a drumline cadence. Congratulations Danny Raymond on this welcome addition to the chamber-music repertoire.

—Quintin Mallette
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 2, April 2023