Jubilee: Percussion Mixed Duo & Ensemble, Quintet, Score and Parts

Bright, celebratory energy without pretense. The combination of pitched and non-pitched voices creates a clear, ringing sound that feels both contemporary and rooted in classic percussion writing. There's lightness here, but also purpose.

Groups building confidence in mixed percussion writing, particularly ensembles where mallet players outnumber non-pitched percussionists. It works equally well for a full percussion quintet or as a complementary piece when you're developing two-mallet technique across your section.

• Assign your strongest mallet player to the vibraphone; the part carries melodic weight and benefits from consistent tone control across the full range.
• Have the non-pitched percussionist practice the hand independence separately before rehearsal: triangle in one hand, snare stick in the other. Lock in the rhythm with the snare and triangle parts together before adding pitched instruments.
• Shape the dynamics across all five players as a single gesture rather than letting each section make independent choices. The jubilant character depends on unified phrasing.
• Use the chimes sparingly in early rehearsals to keep the texture from muddying; once intonation and balance settle, they'll bloom naturally.

This pairs naturally with other Grade 3 percussion works on a chamber or full ensemble concert, offering a refreshing change of pace without demanding rehearsal time your group doesn't have. It also serves as a solid milestone piece for intermediate percussion students preparing for regional festivals or end-of-year showcases.

• Two-mallet independence and control on mallet percussion
• Hand coordination between triangle and snare drum in a single player
• Listening to and balancing pitched and non-pitched percussion textures
• Ensemble blend across five independent voices
• Reading articulation and dynamic nuance in a percussion score