Ringing Rocks - Concerto for Marimba, Percussion Ensemble, and Live Electronics
2015 Consortium Commission

This fall I will continue my journey of re-imagining the traditional notion of the concerto.  As before, my new marimba concerto will seek to deeply explore the technical and sonic possibilities of the solo instrument.  As a secondary goal, I hope to continue my "Symphonic Percussion" concept that attempts to utilize the percussion ensemble in a manner that matches the breadth and power of the orchestra with the intimacy of chamber music.  

The title "Ringing Rocks" is derived from a current archaeological theory that the Stonehenge site was actually a giant ritualistic percussion instrument. The overall shape will involve an opening adagio exploring the remarkable tonal range of the marimba, followed by an electroacoustic cadenza that incorporates spontaneously generated granular soundscapes, and concluding with an intense and virtuosic toccata.

Please contact James.David@colostate.edu for further details.

Dr. Eric Hollenbeck, lead consortium organizer
Dr. Paul Vaillancourt, co-lead consortium member
Commission Details:
  • Membership limited to 5-7 ensembles
  • Cost: $200 per ensemble
  • Duration: 16-20 minutes
  • Difficulty: Solo Marimba - professional; Ensemble - collegiate
  • Instrumentation: 5-6 percussionists utilizing standard instruments available to university percussion studios
  • Electronics: stereo speakers, iPad or other iOS device (free app available via Apple App Store), USB or XLR condenser microphone
  • Completion Date: January 2016

Commission Benefits:
  • Complete set of bound score and parts with individually inscribed cover
  • Unlimited performance rights
  • Consortium members will have performance exclusivity through December 31, 2016
  • Composer will attend rehearsals and performances of consortium premieres pending travel funding and availability

Previous Concerti and Percussion Works

L'oiseau dans l'espace for solo saxophone and percussion ensemble 

Download perusal score
Shifting Cells for mallet quartet

View perusal score
From the Shaken Tower - Symphony for Percussion and Winds