By: Brian Aguilar
Time:  4:45
Grade:  4
Price:  $650.00

“He didn’t reinvent the wheel so much as he showed us a new way to ride.” – John Adams on Steve Reich.

This piece is my tribute to Steve Reich and many other minimalist composers that have had a huge influence on my writing style.  The first movement is set up by a bold rhythmic pattern in 6/4 time from the pit.  The music alternates between light and dark, while maintaining a sense of mystery throughout.  Music reminiscent of Nagoya Marimbas, Music for Pieces of Wood, and Clapping Music enter the picture in the second movement, ultimately featuring the battery in highlighted solos for each section followed by a full battery throw-down.  The third movement has a lighter-than-air quality to it with ascending scale patterns in the mallets before driving to the conclusion.

Playing with a good sense of balance, dynamic control, and the ability to bring out the different voices at opportune times is essential to the success of this piece.  If you are into minimalism, or even if you aren’t, give this piece a listen. One of my personal favorites!

A New Way To Ride was composed for Mr. Kevin Cato and the Mt. Eden HS Winter Percussion (Hayward, CA).

A New Way To Ride MP3       A New Way To Ride Score Sample

Instrumentation:

Snares
Tenors (Quints)
5 Bass Drums
Bells 1, 2
Marimba 1, 2
Xylo 1, 2
Marimba 1, 2 (Xylorimba)
Vibes 1, 2
Bass Guitar
Timpani
Synth
Auxiliary Percussion 1, 2, 3