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In Guac is Extra, John Herndon has done a fantastic job of providing an engaging piece for young percussionists to dialog with traditional Latin percussion instruments without their needing traditional hand drumming skills. Played entirely with sticks, the piece contains elements of groove, syncopation, and timbral contrast. The performers also have the opportunity to play solos, which helps develop their ensemble awareness and sensitivity.
This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
• Drums (bongos, congas, timbales, 2 large toms)
• Suspended cymbal
• Accessories (woodblock, guiro, cowbell)
“Guac is Extra” serves as a fun way to introduce students to the instruments and style of salsa music. John Herndon does a fantastic job of making the style accessible to younger players, as each uses two drums and an accessory instrument. The performance notes indicate the drums to be played with swizzle sticks; however, more advanced players are encouraged to use their hands for the congas and bongos.
The piece begins with a brief introduction and then layers the different instrument entrances as the groove is built. Once all the players have entered, the bongo, conga, and timbale players take solos. Although solos are written out for each player, there is room for players to embellish the solos or even create their own. Although not indicated in the score, it would not be difficult to extend the solos for the players, if needed. The middle section is made up of straight eighth notes with the players accenting certain notes to create a fun melody around the ensemble. The piece ends with a return to the original groove and a brief coda.
This piece will help students to not only learn the style, but also work on ensemble sensitivity, listening, and groove. The piece will make an excellent addition to the repertoire for younger groups. With all the guac and salsa they will be playing, the only thing missing would be a side of chips!
—Josh Armstrong
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
In Guac is Extra, John Herndon has done a fantastic job of providing an engaging piece for young percussionists to dialog with traditional Latin percussion instruments without their needing traditional hand drumming skills. Played entirely with sticks, the piece contains elements of groove, syncopation, and timbral contrast. The performers also have the opportunity to play solos, which helps develop their ensemble awareness and sensitivity.
This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
• Drums (bongos, congas, timbales, 2 large toms)
• Suspended cymbal
• Accessories (woodblock, guiro, cowbell)
“Guac is Extra” serves as a fun way to introduce students to the instruments and style of salsa music. John Herndon does a fantastic job of making the style accessible to younger players, as each uses two drums and an accessory instrument. The performance notes indicate the drums to be played with swizzle sticks; however, more advanced players are encouraged to use their hands for the congas and bongos.
The piece begins with a brief introduction and then layers the different instrument entrances as the groove is built. Once all the players have entered, the bongo, conga, and timbale players take solos. Although solos are written out for each player, there is room for players to embellish the solos or even create their own. Although not indicated in the score, it would not be difficult to extend the solos for the players, if needed. The middle section is made up of straight eighth notes with the players accenting certain notes to create a fun melody around the ensemble. The piece ends with a return to the original groove and a brief coda.
This piece will help students to not only learn the style, but also work on ensemble sensitivity, listening, and groove. The piece will make an excellent addition to the repertoire for younger groups. With all the guac and salsa they will be playing, the only thing missing would be a side of chips!
—Josh Armstrong
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
