Stormbreak was written by Jim Casella for intermediate ensembles as a sequel of sorts to Technology, another moderately simple piece for percussion octet by Casella that has since become quite popular. Opening with nature-effect sounds, the storm breaks into a rhythmic “tip of the hat” to Technology on the rim of the snare drum. As rhythmic layers add in, the syncopated motif of Stormbreak becomes clear and continues to drive the piece throughout.

Certain parts are more challenging than others, and syncopation is of particular demand. However, numerous repeat bars are used, as the primary goal is to develop the players’ collective ability to understand how their parts groove and interact within the mix of their fellow groove-playing compadres. For more advanced players in the ensemble, solo sections are included which feature timpani, snare drum, and concert toms.

Stormbreak can stand alone as a percussion octet, but it also comes with the option of being played by a full wind ensemble. During wind ensemble concerts, the percussion section can sometimes be relegated to the back. So this option acts as something of a percussion ensemble “feature” that can be programmed into wind ensemble concerts.

This piece comes with a full, bound folio containing a full score with wind ensemble, and a separate score for percussion ensemble only. Also included is a CD-Rom containing reference audio recordings and all individual parts available for printing.

*All sounds used in the percussion octet recording wer
generated from Virtual Drumline software also by Tapspace.

*Wind ensemble recording features live performance
by the Lanier Middle School symphonic winds.

Stormbreak Reviews

Douglas J. Gibson Director of Bands Oskaloosa CSD “We performed the selection "Stormbreak" at our concert on Tuesday evening and it was a crowd favorite for sure...even brought the audience to their feet for our junior and senior percussion ensemble members!” Jason Baker Reviewed in Percussive Notes July 2010 “Written as a follow-up to his popular percussion ensemble piece “Technology,” “Stormbreak” is a creative new work for beginning to intermediate percussion octet. The score exists in two versions: as a stand-alone chamber piece and as a feature for percussion octet with wind ensemble. The percussion parts are exactly the same in each version. All of the percussion instruments are common to public school music programs, and the wind ensemble scoring is accessible to middle school and/or high school students. While some syncopation is used in the wind parts, it is almost always presented in unison with the percussion. The percussion parts are written with the varying levels of students in mind, with more advanced parts having solo passages and other parts focusing on repetitive ostinatos. In addition to its potential in scholastic band programs, this piece would hopefully be appealing to directors of honor bands or all-region events as a showcase for the percussion section with limited rehearsal time.” Adam Bruce “We performed Stormbreak at our spring concert with one of the high school ensembles and it was a smash hit! Both the students and the audience loved it. Its accessibility to the listener also served to inspire my younger students!” Add your review here Your name: * Your message: * Maximum review length is 2000 characters Type the characters you see in the picture. (If you do not see any picture here, please enable images in your web browser options and refresh this page): Get a different code Add review

Instrumentation

Optional Wind Ensemble Parts Included (divisi if applicable): Flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet (E-flat), bassoon, alto saxaphone, tenor saxaphone, baritone saxiphone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba.