Bongito

Brian Slawson

General Info

Publisher: Tapspace
Difficulty: Elementary
Duration: 00:02:30
Cost: $35.00

Description

Bongito by Brian Slawson is a fun percussion ensemble for beginner percussionists that also serves as an introduction into Salsa music! This work uses a variety of Latin percussion instruments such as castanets, claves, guiro, timbales, bongos, etc. and to create a classic Salsa sound and flavor. This piece does not feature rhythms any faster than eighth notes, so it is perfect for percussionists still quite new to reading and playing music.

Instrumentation

Player 1: Glockenspiel
Player 2: Xylophone
Player 3: Marimba
Player 4: Vibraphone
Player 5: Timpani
Player 6: Bongos
Player 7: Congas
Player 8: Timbales
Player 9: Guiro
Player 10: Claves
Player 11: Castanets
Player 12: Cowbell

Review

This percussion ensemble piece is inspired by the Latin-American salsa style of music and dance. Though the work uses eighth notes as the smallest subdivision at a moderate tempo, the challenge is in producing and maintaining what Slawson calls “an infectious groove” as an ensemble. It is most appropriate for a younger, high-school level percussion section and works well as an introduction to Latin instruments and rhythms. With the exception of one part, each player is only responsible for one instrument. is allows students to focus on the technical skills needed for their parts, particularly benefiting those who have little to no prior experience. The timpani part requires three drums and can be played on the 29-, 26-, and 23-inch drums if desired, accommodating programs that might not have access to the largest drum. However, some programs might find it difficult to perform because many of the auxiliary instruments cannot be replaced by alternatives without losing the characteristic favor, requiring directors to purchase uncommonly used instruments solely for this composition. Perhaps the most appealing component of Bongito is the varying difficulty level of the individual parts. This ensures that each player in your ensemble will have an appropriate challenge, and it helps create a more inclusive group atmosphere. e educational merit of the work would be evident if there were more section features or dynamic variation, especially for an ensemble of this size. Nonetheless, it is a fine addition to the literature as a showcase piece to be enjoyed by audiences and students. By Danielle Moreau

Works for Percussion by this Composer

Solos

Two-Beat Tango
Cricket
Animal Cracker Rag

Chamber Percussion Ensemble

Candlesticks - 8 Players
Füm Drum - 9 Players
Odd Duck - 4 Players
Song of All Seasons - 8 Players
Pelican - 9 Players
Rockbox - 9 Players
Tangito - 9 Players
Top Tank - 3 Players
Winterland - 8 Players

Large Percussion Ensemble

Angels in the Moonlight
Animals
Bongito - 13 Players
Book Bash - 10 Players
Christmas Day
Dreams From the Dark Forest - 13 Players
Jokers Wild - 13 Players
La Vida de la Noche (Percussion Ensemble) - 15 Players
Little Lullabies
Nanigo Navidad - 11 Players
Opa! - 10 Players
Pistoleros - 13 Players
Roundup - 10 Players
Santa's Strut - 11 Players
Strum - 10 Players
Tale of the Dragon - 12 Players
Tank Time - 10 Players
The Three Buccaneers
When You Hear the Drum - 10 Players

Mallet Ensemble

A Little Malletmusik
El Paso Waltz
La Vida de la Noche (Mallet Ensemble)

Percussion Ensemble with Other Instrument

An American Dream - Percussion Ensemble & Trumpet

Indeterminate Percussion Ensemble

Pop Drop - 3 or more Players
Yes & No - 5 or 6 Players