Shared Responsibilities

Shared Responsibilities is a commissioned set of four works for multiple-percussion duet. Intended for performance at the university level, this collection specifically utilizes relatively small set-ups and shared instruments played by both performers.

Grand Circle was commissioned by Glenn Webb and the Utah Tech University percussion ensemble. The title references the Southwest region of the United States that encompasses parts of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. Composed exclusively for six drums, this work explores both the energy and excitement of fast-moving passages, contrasted by the grandiose potential of aggressive and reverberant statements set against space.

Judí was commissioned by Andrew Kolar and the Sacred Heart University percussion ensemble. The title is comprised of the first two letters of the words “Diamond” and “Jubilee” and is in celebration of the university’s 60th anniversary. The tempo of this duet is set at 60bpm throughout, in 6/8 time, and both the first and last two phrases contain a total of exactly 60 notes each.

Maximum Cru was commissioned by Stephen Crawford and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor percussion ensemble. Being part of the “Cru”—short for the UMHB mascot, the Crusaders—is sprinkled throughout the tradition, activities, and attitude of the university. Set at a consistent tempo of 63bpm, but exploring multiple meters and perceived tempos within that construct, this duet seeks to represent the consistency of this culture across the broad spectrum of university life.

Opposing Sides was commissioned by Nicholaus Meyers and the East Central University percussion ensemble. With instrumentation essentially comprised of a deconstructed drumset, “Opposing Sides” is intended to function as a mirrored work in which both players are consistently swapping roles and playing similar material at different times. Exploring both straight and shuffle funk feels throughout, this duet also refuses to settle into common time, but instead frequently shifts into measures of 5/8, 7/8, and other non-traditional funk time signatures.

Full Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Grand Circle
Player 1: Impact Drum [shared], Tumba, Quinto [shared], Low Bongo
Player 2: Impact Drum [shared], Conga, Quinto [shared], High Bongo

Judí
Player 1: Snare Drum [shared], Tamborim, High Woodblock, Cowbell [shared]
Player 2: Snare Drum [shared], Tambourine, Low Woodblock, Cowbell [shared]

Maximum Cru
Player 1: 2 Bongos, Suspended & Splash Cymbal [both shared]
Player 2: Medium Tom, Snare Drum, Suspended & Splash Cymbal [both shared]

Opposing Sides
Player 1: Hi-Hat, Impact Drum, Snare Drum, Splash Cymbal [all shared], High Tom [not shared]
Player 2: Hi-Hat, Impact Drum, Snare Drum, Splash Cymbal [all shared], Low Tom [not shared]