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Two Short Pieces for Marimba and Piano: Marimba Solo Book

$4.95 USD
$4.95 USD
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Two Short Pieces for Marimba and Piano Cover Image
Two Short Pieces for Marimba and Piano: Marimba Solo Book

Two Short Pieces for Marimba and Piano: Marimba Solo Book

By Edmund J. Siennicki

Grade: 2

Item: 36-10620404
$4.95
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Description
These two pieces written for the young musicians include VOCALISE, a singing andante in 4/4, and DANCE, an allegro with opportunities to transition between some easy meter changes. Versions for bass clarinet, bassoon, baritone saxophone, trombone, baritone, mallet percussion (no accompaniment), and cello are available from the publisher.

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Additional Details
Series: LudwigMasters Percussion Series
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
ISBN10: 1-68-296269-5
ISBN13: 978-1-68-296269-5
UPC: 735816020750
SKU: 36-10620404
Instrumentation: Marimba Solo and Piano

More about this title

About the Composer: Edmund J. Siennicki

Edmund J. Siennicki

Edmund J. Siennicki was born in Cleveland in 1920 and encountered the legendary pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski at age 12, a meeting that profoundly shaped his musical path. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Kent State University, where he composed Fight on for KSU, the university's football fight song still performed today. Kent State honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1994.

Siennicki studied composition with Herbert Elwell and electronic music with Sergio Barroso at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he completed his MA. He also consulted with the renowned composer Vincent Persichetti. His dual expertise as a bassoon and piano performer informed his compositional voice. He spent most of his teaching career in Cleveland junior high schools and later served on the faculties of Michigan and Kent State University. His prolific output of approximately 200 published compositions has earned multiple prizes in National School Orchestra contests, and he was twice named composer in residence at the MacDowell Colony. For two decades, he has received annual ASCAP awards. He continues to compose, visit schools, and lead clinics.

Why we love this

Siennicki writes with genuine understanding of what young percussionists need: two contrasting pieces that build confidence without overwhelming the player. VOCALISE teaches singing, sustained tone on the marimba, while DANCE introduces meter changes in an accessible way that doesn't sacrifice musical interest. The piano part supports without dominating, making this ideal for a student's early solo experiences.

What to expect

VOCALISE unfolds with quiet lyricism, inviting the marimba to imitate the warmth and breath of the human voice across its singing register. DANCE arrives with rhythmic energy and playfulness, offering bright moments of metric surprise that keep both performer and listener engaged.

Who it's for

Beginning marimba soloists, typically in grades 2-3, who are ready to play with piano accompaniment and explore pieces with contrasting character. Students preparing for solo recitals, school assemblies, or young artist showcases will find these pieces accessible and rewarding to perform.

How to get the most out of it

  • In VOCALISE, shape the andante phrases as you would a vocalist's breath line; let the marimba sing through sustained tones rather than stopping abruptly between phrases.
  • Pay attention to the meter changes in DANCE and practice them separately before combining with the piano part; mark the transition points clearly in your part.
  • Coordinate mallets height and rebound consistently throughout VOCALISE to maintain a smooth, legato sound quality appropriate to the singing character.

How to use it

Program VOCALISE and DANCE as a contrasting pair within a larger recital or school concert to showcase marimba's expressive range. Use them as confidence builders early in the year before moving a student toward more demanding solo repertoire. They work equally well as part of a young artist showcase featuring multiple beginning soloists.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustained tone production and legato phrasing on marimba
  • Reading and executing meter changes (mixed meters within an accessible context)
  • Coordinating with a piano accompanist
  • Shaping musical phrases with intentional dynamic and tonal control
  • Balancing independence while listening to harmonic support

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