Loco Motion: 2nd Percussion
By Todd Stalter
Grade: 3.5 (Medium)
Item: 00-PC-0017052_PC2
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Description
"Loco Motion" is a musical word play on the title, with emphasis on the "loco" (in essence, "crazy rhythm"). The wind parts are quite rhythmic, even on static pitches, and players have the opportunity to duel with the percussion section using their hands and feet. Ideal as a concert opener or closer, the frenetic energy of "Loco Motion" is sure to start or finish your concert with an exclamation point! (2:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Loco Motion: 2nd Percussion comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
202
SKU:
00-PC-0017052_PC2
More about this title
About the Composer: Todd Stalter
Todd Stalter spent 34 years directing the band program at Eureka High School in Illinois, where he built ensembles known throughout the state for consistent excellence. His marching band won the Class 1A state championship 16 times, his concert band earned Superior ratings at IHSA competitions, and his groups performed at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Walt Disney World, and multiple bowl game festivals. He was inducted into the Illinois State Marching Band Championships Hall of Fame.
Beyond the high school podium, Stalter has conducted All-State Bands in Georgia and Delaware, led numerous honor and district ensembles, and maintained an active schedule as an adjudicator and clinician across multiple states. His compositions for band and string orchestra are performed nationally and appear regularly on state contest and festival lists. He studied trumpet performance and conducting at Illinois State University and brings that combined expertise as both a performer and educator to his compositional voice.
Why we love this
Stalter crafts this opener or closer with real rhythmic personality, letting wind players engage the percussion section as genuine musical partners rather than background accompaniment. The "loco" concept isn't just conceptual wordplay; it's built into every measure through syncopated figures on static pitches, giving student musicians permission to sound energetic and playful. At Grade 3.5, it delivers genuine excitement without requiring virtuosic technique.
What to expect
Frenetic and fun, with a propulsive groove built from syncopated figures and rhythmic interplay between winds and percussion. The energy is deliberately "crazy" in the best sense, like a musical comedy that lands harder and sharper with every rehearsal.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 3.5 level looking for a high-energy program opener or finale that engages the entire ensemble with rhythmic clarity and playfulness. Directors seeking repertoire that challenges students to think about rhythm and articulation without requiring advanced technical facility will find this score rewarding in rehearsal and performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the wind section's rhythmic figures with the percussion; precision in these unison or doubled patterns creates the propulsive energy that makes the piece work.
- Encourage the winds to embrace the playful character and lean into articulation without rushing the subdivisions, especially where syncopation creates the "loco" effect.
- Balance the percussion duet concept: let those rhythmic exchanges breathe and trade clearly so audiences hear the dialogue Stalter wrote.
- Keep the overall tempo steady from opening to closing; this piece thrives on consistency of groove rather than expressive fluctuation.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener to establish momentum and audience engagement immediately, or close your second half with the same burst of excitement. The 2:30 duration and distinctive character make it a natural choice for festival or contest programming where you want to leave a strong impression with your audience.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision and articulation on static pitches
- Syncopation and subdividing eighth-note patterns
- Listening and balancing with the percussion section
- Maintaining groove under energetic tempos
- Understanding how rhythmic unison creates ensemble cohesion