Percussion Ensemble Collection, Level II: Percussion Ensemble Book

Farberman writes percussion music that respects young players' musicality while building real ensemble skills. Four contrasting pieces in a single book means you can rotate styles in rehearsal, keeping students engaged and building their ability to shift between different musical contexts and articulation styles.

These pieces sparkle with purpose. The Waltz Rondo has classical clarity, the Fragments offer texture and color play, the Latin Ostinato locks into groove, and the Tarantella practically dances off the page. Together they create a satisfying arc from lyrical to propulsive.

This collection serves percussion ensembles working at the post-beginner stage who are ready for stylistic variety and ensemble coordination across six players. Directors can pull individual titles to match their rehearsal focus or program all four to showcase range.

• Balance mallet parts against the unpitched percussion; these pieces work best when melodic voices cut through without drowning the supporting textures.
• Map out the Latin Ostinato's rhythmic foundation early in rehearsal so the ensemble can lock the repeating pattern before layering other parts.
• Use the Tarantella's tempo as a group discipline tool: nail the steady pulse before attempting the articulation details that make the piece dance.

Feature these pieces as standalone percussion concert items or spread them across the season to reinforce different aspects of ensemble technique. The stylistic mix makes them ideal for student composition or arrangement projects where players analyze how Farberman creates contrast within a percussion framework.

• Mallet control and independence between paired parts
• Rhythmic precision in ostinato figures
• Ensemble balance and voice independence
• Style recognition and stylistic interpretation (waltz, tango, Latin, folk dance)
• Instrument-specific technique on multiple percussion instruments