Multitasker
General Info
Year of Published: 2011
Publisher: Tapspace Publications
Difficulty: Elementary
Duration: 00:01:43
Instrumentation
Player 1: Snare Drum & Wood Block
Player 2: Piccolo Snare Drum & Cowbell
Player 3: Bass Drum & Tambourine
Player 4: Suspended Cymbal & Triangle
Player 5 (Optional): Bongos
Player 6 (Optional): High Concert Tom Toms
Player 7 (Optional): Low Concert Tom Toms
Player 8 (Optional): Cabasa & Slapstick
The Rationale
Multitasking is a skill we all need in this day and age. How else can we simultaneously watch the burgers and dogs on the grill, toast the buns in the oven, slice up the fixing on the cutting board, AND keep an eye on the game? There will come a time when a percussionist is required to multitask in other words, to play more than one instrument at the same time. This is commonly known as a multiple percussion part.
Multitasker introduces this concept, giving all performers the chance to play two instruments at once. Player 1-4 each have a primary and secondary instrument, while Player 5-8 have two different playing surfaces. Multi parts sometimes require playing two instruments that require two different techniques, which does not often come naturally.
A secondary focus of Multitasker is the use of syncopated rhythms to reinforce the preparatory stroke. Some of the offbeat rhythms in the piece will help force this issue out into the open. Encouraging the performers to lift together on the preceding 8th note should help clean up their entrance.
Works for Percussion by this Composer
Mallet Ensemble
Home by Sundown - Marimba Trio
Flexible Percussion Ensemble
Follow Suit - 6 to 10 Players
Low Tide - 7 to 10 Players
Mi Milagro - 3 to 8 Players
Multitasker - 4 to 8 Players
Traumatic Chromatic - 6 to 9 Players
Trap Door - 5 to 10 Players