BOOMeRANG (2019)
Commissioned by the University of Northern Iowa Percussion Ensemble, Ryan Frost and Matthew Andreini, Directors
Instrumentation
6 handbells, 4 wind whistles, 4 bass drums, 4 marimbas (only one 5-octave required), 2 high drums, 1 suspended cymbal
BOOMeRANG was inspired by a visit to the University of Northern Iowa where I saw their unique performance space, which is a square-shaped hall (including a catwalk-type 2nd tier for the performers) with the seating area directly in the center. I was immediately drawn to the idea of creating an antiphonal work to celebrate the uniqueness of this space.
BOOMeRANG should be performed antiphonally, with players placed equidistantly around the performance space. Ideally, the piece should be performed in the dark with stand lights or minimal lighting as to heighten the aural experience. The audience can even close their eyes to get the full surround-sound effect.
The piece is divided into two movements. Movement one, BOOM, is a high energy drumming movement focused on antiphonal bass drums passing material around the space along with wind sounds through the use of wind whistles. Movement two, RANG, is a more introspective and subtle groove oriented movement focused on passing pitched material around the hall via use of marimbas and handbells.