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Animal Cracker Rag (Download)
• Xylophone
• Piano (optional)
This xylophone rag is short, sweet, and guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of young performers as well as parents in the audience. The humorous xylophone writing is reminiscent of Kabalevsky and utilizes the majority of the xylophone’s range, while not requiring the performer to move rapidly. Full of glissandi and chromatic runs, the young percussionist will have his or her hands full, but nothing is too difficult for this level. I should add that, as the student becomes more confident, the tempo could easily be increased; this would add a little challenge that can be applied as needed.
I really enjoy the fact that the piano accompaniment is geared towards the non-pianist. It is very idiomatic and not overwhelming at all. Someone with minimal skills can play the part, which should open the odor for the private instructor to “take the keys.”
In a world of more notes and fast tempi, this is quite refreshing. Younger, beginning students are often overlook. This solo will meet their needs.
—T. Adam Blackstock
Percussive Notes
Vol. 56, No. 4, September 2018
• Xylophone
• Piano (optional)
This xylophone rag is short, sweet, and guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of young performers as well as parents in the audience. The humorous xylophone writing is reminiscent of Kabalevsky and utilizes the majority of the xylophone’s range, while not requiring the performer to move rapidly. Full of glissandi and chromatic runs, the young percussionist will have his or her hands full, but nothing is too difficult for this level. I should add that, as the student becomes more confident, the tempo could easily be increased; this would add a little challenge that can be applied as needed.
I really enjoy the fact that the piano accompaniment is geared towards the non-pianist. It is very idiomatic and not overwhelming at all. Someone with minimal skills can play the part, which should open the odor for the private instructor to “take the keys.”
In a world of more notes and fast tempi, this is quite refreshing. Younger, beginning students are often overlook. This solo will meet their needs.
—T. Adam Blackstock
Percussive Notes
Vol. 56, No. 4, September 2018
