Monochromes

Written by Bryan Scott Stanbridge.

There was an error in our print run that cut off part of each page's view area. Luckily, the musical and instructional material is unaffected. These parts are perfectly fine and can be used to easily play the entire piece. We have discounted these copies at 20% off to account for the unfortunate error.

A percussion duet in seven movements. Each movement contains just one instrument (or class of instruments). The movements are intended to be played in order and in their entirety. A complete performance of the duet will last 20-25 minutes.

I - Grey Snares
For two snare drums. Each player needs one rubber ball, one snare stick, ten-15 small coins (like pennies).

II - Azure Vibes
For two vibraphones, with motor. Each player needs four, medium-soft to soft mallet that should be matched between players.

III - Forest Blocks
For sets of wood blocks. Each player needs two medium-hard mallets. As intended, this piece requries a "rotisserie" set of wood blocks. Five graduated wood blocks are drilled through the center (across the small width) and mounted on a stick that will allow the blocks to spin when struck. Above the smallest block, a small bamboo chime set should be hung and a small piece of cardboard should be mounted beneath the largest, so that when these two blocks spin, they will strike the extra wood. Each player then also has three wood blocks that are unmounted and played on a table. It is also possible to play this with just five communal wood blocks, ignoring the mounting, however the chimes and cardboard will have to be ignored.

IV - Dandelion Metals (Interlude)
For two triangles and two large bowls of water. Each player will need a standard triangle beater. The two triangles should be separate pitches.

V - Rose Bars
For one marimba. Each player needs soft mallets (two are possible, four are recommended). One player stands in the normal place for a player as the other stands at the accidentals.

VI - Indigo Discs
For two tam tams. Each player will need a triangle beater, bass bow and plastic hair comb with many teeth. One player also needs a large gong mallet and medium-hard, rubber mallet.

VII - Bleached Jangles
For two tambourines. The tambourines should be significantly different. This movement features many shake rolls and some thumb rolls.