Taped Stick in E Minor (2023)

Duration: ca. 3'56''

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Program notes: Named “Taped Stick in E Minor,” the title of this composition emerged from my experimentation with cross-grips. During the learning process of this particular grip, I discovered that the shafts of the mallets would occasionally click together. This led me to explore alternative solutions, which involved wrapping tennis tape on the sticks, not only eliminating the unwanted noise but also providing a more comfortable playing experience during prolonged periods of play. The piece alternates between happy and mysterious moods, despite mostly being in a minor key. Notably, the unique texture of this piece is created by employing rattan shafts on the vibraphone, accompanied by a driving triplet ostinato in the marimba player’s left hand.

Errata listed at https://www.brycehughesmusic.com/compositions/small-ensemblechamber/tapedstickineminor#h.4oel0k2ipcg3