-Information on Marimba and other keyboard percussion-

Repertoire:  A list of common pieces played at the high school and college level, accompanied by a MIDI sample where possible

Abe, Keiko: "Frogs" (intermediate)  A less than perfect recording is available on Rebecca Kite's "Prism"

Gershwin, George:  Xylophone excerpt from "Porgy and Bess"  (difficult, as excepts go)  standard undergrad audition excerpt.  If you don't know it, learn it.  A copy of it would best be found in an except book or a copy of the score if possible.  Do not look in Dennis Delucia's book "Drummer's Daily Drill" b/c it, along with another except, contains misprints.

Gomez, Alice: "Raindance" (beginner-intermediate)  A very accessible piece that utilizes several techniques (rolling, independence, double verticals) in different sections.  Again, a less than stellar recording is available on Kite's "Prism".

Musser, Clair Omar:  "Etude in B major"  (difficulty depends on tempo.  This piece is sort of a chops buster.  At tempo, I would say intermediate to advanced)  Greg Giannascoli's new recording features him smoking this and the C major counterpart.  It should be available through Steve Weiss soon.

Peters, Mitchell:  "Yellow After the Rain" (intermediate)  The standard in marimba solos.  First to involve one hand accompanying a melody in the other.  Commonly played at undergrad auditions.

Sammut, Eric:  "Four Rotations"  (advanced)  One of the most listenable compositions among advanced marimba literature. I'm not sure if they've been recorded.  (Mvt II,  Mvt IV)  

Stevens, Leigh Howard:  "Rhythmic Caprice"  (advanced)  Another listenable toughy.  Also very impressive to watch because of the techniques used.  I happen to know b/c I, along with the rest of the percussion studio at RU, was privileged enough to go to Leigh's house and watch him play a private recital.  He played "Caprice" and another one of his show stoppers, called "The Great Wall", in his program.  According to him, he will be releasing both on CD relatively shortly.

Stout, Gordon: "Two Mexican Dances for Marimba" (advanced)  One of the most famous compositions for Marimba written by one of it's most prominent players.  These are very appropriate for grad school auditions.   Greg Giannascoli's new disc features these as well as Evelyn Glennies "Rhythm Song" disc.  (I, II)

Method Books:  Titles and brief descriptions of various levels of instructional method

Players:  Try Marimba.org's ever growing Players List for short or really short bios on well known marimbists

Manufacturers/Publishers: (links provided if available)

since 3/3/99