The
idea for Marimba Concert grew out of a conversation with
Bob Van Sice in which we talked about the need for intermediate
level pieces for the marimba.
When
I think about how one gets from a beginning level to an
advanced level, whether music, or anything else, one way
is to learn gradually more and more difficult pieces or
exercises. Another way is to make a leap - to have "advanced
moments." Most anyone, even beginners, can learn
a difficult piece that is short. I have asked twelve composers
to write a short marimba solo. Some are intermediate level,
some more advanced, some have advanced moments. But all
of them are short.
I
envision three uses for Marimba Concert:
Educationally, to offer students a stylistically diverse
collection of pieces;
Professionals can perform marimba solos that are shorter
than 10 to 15 minutes;
And third, I envision a marimba concert using most, or
all, of these pieces.
-
Sylvia Smith, editor
Marimba Concert
