Big Country - for percussion ensemble and rhythm section

Béla Fleck

Big Country is a catchy and inspired composition by world renowned banjo picker and jazz musician Béla Fleck from the album Left of Cool by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Its simple melody encapsulates the folksy sound of Americana, and Olin Johannessen's arrangement wonderfully captures this through his scoring for percussion ensemble.Featuring 4-mallet independent techniques for marimbas and xylophone, Fleck's original banjo part transfers well to percussion ensemble. This arrangement also features a small rhythm section (drumset and bass guitar) to drive the two-step feel and includes optional parts for soprano sax (inspired by the original) as well as a couple of optional basic marimba parts (in addition to main marimbas) for larger ensembles. Also, the xylophone and glockenspiel parts are written so that one player can cover both parts which may be useful for smaller groups.This is a very accessible piece, but it does require a good level of technical proficiency from marimba and xylophone players. It can be something of a 4-mallet workout and requires a relaxed and smooth approach to the instrument. As Johannessen states in the performance notes, "This piece is about making people feel good." Big Country is sure to be a welcome addition to your next percussion ensemble concert.This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.Note: Due to licensing limitations, this piece is only available in USA and Canada.

Product Number:    TSPCE18

Format:    Printed Folio + printed parts

Level:    Med-Advanced

No. of Players:    8–10

Duration:    3:00

Full Instrumentation:     • Glockenspiel • Xylophone • 2 vibraphones • 3 marimbas—(1) low F or low A, (1) low E, (1) low C* • Small drumset (snare, kick, hi hat, 2 or 3 cymbals) • Accessories (3 different sized triangles, shaker) • Bass guitar • Soprano sax (optional)*This marimba part is optional.

Pages:    18

Size:    8.5" x 11"

Date Published:    11/1/2007