Concerto for Percussion & Band
Whaaack! is a concerto for percussion solo and band, commissioned by John Madden and the Michigan State University Symphony Band. I intended that the concerto accompaniment would be playable by good high school bands and most college bands as well. I have also arranged Whaaack! for percussion soloist and orchestra.
Each movement features the soloist on only one instrument: First movement: Hi-Hat Cymbal ("Cymbal Pleasures"); Second Movement: Tam Tam ("Gong With The Winds") and third movement: Bass Drum ("30-Pound Bass"). The soloist is required to play very softly at various times in all three movements, requiring amplification.
The solo part employs both standard and extended techniques.
Prepare for excruciating fun!
Duration: 16:30
Gong photo by Michael Bettine