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Repetition is everywhere in nature—the daily arc of the sun, the monthly dance of the moon, the yearly journey of our planet. As human beings, repetition is also vital for our growth and learning. Again by John Herndon is a reflection on this concept; one that will help younger percussionists gain confidence and maturity in performance.
Composed for twelve players but adaptable to as few as six, the piece employs repeating rhythms, riffs, harmonies, and melodies arranged in such a way as to keep them fresh and evolving while holding the students’ interest.
Each performance is a fresh iteration, a reminder that while rhythms may repeat, no two days – or plays – are quite the same.
Again ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.
Chimes*
Glockenspiel
Xylophone
Vibraphone
Marimba (low A)
4 Timpani
Drums* — concert bass drum, concert snare drum, 4 concert toms
Cymbals & gongs* — crash cymbals (hand), hi-hat (or cabasa), ride cymbal, sizzle cymbal, suspended cymbal, tam-tam
Accessories* — cabasa (or hi-hat), mark tree, triangle
*optional
I always find John Herndon’s compositions to be musically engaging and educationally valuable, and “Again” is no exception. Scored for a minimum of six players, this piece utilizes instruments, techniques, and concepts appropriate for younger percussionists developing their chamber ensemble skills. It is recommended for first- or second-year middle-school students.
As stated in the program notes, the piece is both an homage to and reflection on repetition. Herndon explores this idea musically by overlapping repeating phrases, rhythms, and harmonies to create an ever-evolving soundscape. This compositional approach also allows students to develop more ensemble awareness, as they can identify the recurring figures and how they change over time. Both the musical phrases and written dynamics present numerous opportunities for individual and ensemble expressivity. Because of the nature of the work, there is a balanced mix of unison figures and soloistic lines, requiring a confident group of players to perform effectively.
I appreciate the flexibility Herndon has built into “Again.” First, the required instrumentation is standard for most public schools of this age. Second, Herndon states that any or all of the optional parts may be added to the sextet as desired. This gives the instructor options based on student ability, number of players, and available inventory. Finally, nearly every part is written so that students each have their own station. This introduces the fundamentals of percussion setups used in large ensemble situations at an early playing level. “Again” is a short yet effective work with numerous benefits for students.
—Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 2, April 2024
Repetition is everywhere in nature—the daily arc of the sun, the monthly dance of the moon, the yearly journey of our planet. As human beings, repetition is also vital for our growth and learning. Again by John Herndon is a reflection on this concept; one that will help younger percussionists gain confidence and maturity in performance.
Composed for twelve players but adaptable to as few as six, the piece employs repeating rhythms, riffs, harmonies, and melodies arranged in such a way as to keep them fresh and evolving while holding the students’ interest.
Each performance is a fresh iteration, a reminder that while rhythms may repeat, no two days – or plays – are quite the same.
Again ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.
Chimes*
Glockenspiel
Xylophone
Vibraphone
Marimba (low A)
4 Timpani
Drums* — concert bass drum, concert snare drum, 4 concert toms
Cymbals & gongs* — crash cymbals (hand), hi-hat (or cabasa), ride cymbal, sizzle cymbal, suspended cymbal, tam-tam
Accessories* — cabasa (or hi-hat), mark tree, triangle
*optional
I always find John Herndon’s compositions to be musically engaging and educationally valuable, and “Again” is no exception. Scored for a minimum of six players, this piece utilizes instruments, techniques, and concepts appropriate for younger percussionists developing their chamber ensemble skills. It is recommended for first- or second-year middle-school students.
As stated in the program notes, the piece is both an homage to and reflection on repetition. Herndon explores this idea musically by overlapping repeating phrases, rhythms, and harmonies to create an ever-evolving soundscape. This compositional approach also allows students to develop more ensemble awareness, as they can identify the recurring figures and how they change over time. Both the musical phrases and written dynamics present numerous opportunities for individual and ensemble expressivity. Because of the nature of the work, there is a balanced mix of unison figures and soloistic lines, requiring a confident group of players to perform effectively.
I appreciate the flexibility Herndon has built into “Again.” First, the required instrumentation is standard for most public schools of this age. Second, Herndon states that any or all of the optional parts may be added to the sextet as desired. This gives the instructor options based on student ability, number of players, and available inventory. Finally, nearly every part is written so that students each have their own station. This introduces the fundamentals of percussion setups used in large ensemble situations at an early playing level. “Again” is a short yet effective work with numerous benefits for students.
—Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 2, April 2024
