Roundabout - Percussion Trio

Roundabout is a visually and aurally captivating non-pitched percussion trio based on two simple key elements: the first, a circular ensemble set‐up surrounding a single, shared ride cymbal and second, the incorporation of various licks and pseudo‐melodic or rhythmic fragments from jazz standards. Listen closely and you can hear a bit of "Oleo" by Sonny Rollins, "Scrapple from the Apple" by Charlie Parker, "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Louis Prima, "Take the 'A' Train" by Billy Strayhorn, "Spain" by Chick Corea, and even a brief nod to "Roundabout" by the progressive rock band Yes. Utilizing instruments that are typical components of a drumset, along with a few commonly found Latin percussion add‐ons, this is an excellent work for developing ensemble alignment and precision as performers are challenged to unite three individual parts as if they were performed a single drumset player.

Level: Medium | Duration: 3:30

Instrumentation

• Percussion 1 (Wood Block, Snare Drum, High Tom, Ride Cymbal*, Splash Cymbal)
• Percussion 2 (Hi-Hat, Low Tom, Cowbell, Bongos, Ride Cymbal*)
• Percussion 3 (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Ride Cymbal*, China Cymbal)

*Single shared Ride Cymbal