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Brian Slawon’s Bongito is a perfect introduction to salsa music for young percussionists looking to expand their musical palettes. In this piece, percussionists will be exposed to a plethora of Latin percussion instruments like castanets, claves, timables, bongos, congas, and a guiro. In Slawson’s own words, “Bongito contains nothing smaller than an eighth notes but the syncopated rhythms can be challenging for a large ensemble proving, as always, that music is a team sport.”
This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
This percussion ensemble piece is inspired by the Latin-American salsa style of music and dance. Though the work uses eighth notes as the smallest subdivision at a moderate tempo, the challenge is in producing and maintaining what Slawson calls “an infectious groove” as an ensemble. It is most appropriate for a younger, high-school level percussion section and works well as an introduction to Latin instruments and rhythms.
With the exception of one part, each player is only responsible for one instrument. is allows students to focus on the technical skills needed for their parts, particularly benefiting those who have little to no prior experience. The timpani part requires three drums and can be played on the 29-, 26-, and 23-inch drums if desired, accommodating programs that might not have access to the largest drum. However, some programs might find it difficult to perform because many of the auxiliary instruments cannot be replaced by alternatives without losing the characteristic favor, requiring directors to purchase uncommonly used instruments solely for this composition.
Perhaps the most appealing component of Bongito is the varying difficulty level of the individual parts. This ensures that each player in your ensemble will have an appropriate challenge, and it helps create a more inclusive group atmosphere. e educational merit of the work would be evident if there were more section features or dynamic variation, especially for an ensemble of this size. Nonetheless, it is a fine addition to the literature as a showcase piece to be enjoyed by audiences and students.
–Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 57, No. 2, May 2019
Brian Slawon’s Bongito is a perfect introduction to salsa music for young percussionists looking to expand their musical palettes. In this piece, percussionists will be exposed to a plethora of Latin percussion instruments like castanets, claves, timables, bongos, congas, and a guiro. In Slawson’s own words, “Bongito contains nothing smaller than an eighth notes but the syncopated rhythms can be challenging for a large ensemble proving, as always, that music is a team sport.”
This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
This percussion ensemble piece is inspired by the Latin-American salsa style of music and dance. Though the work uses eighth notes as the smallest subdivision at a moderate tempo, the challenge is in producing and maintaining what Slawson calls “an infectious groove” as an ensemble. It is most appropriate for a younger, high-school level percussion section and works well as an introduction to Latin instruments and rhythms.
With the exception of one part, each player is only responsible for one instrument. is allows students to focus on the technical skills needed for their parts, particularly benefiting those who have little to no prior experience. The timpani part requires three drums and can be played on the 29-, 26-, and 23-inch drums if desired, accommodating programs that might not have access to the largest drum. However, some programs might find it difficult to perform because many of the auxiliary instruments cannot be replaced by alternatives without losing the characteristic favor, requiring directors to purchase uncommonly used instruments solely for this composition.
Perhaps the most appealing component of Bongito is the varying difficulty level of the individual parts. This ensures that each player in your ensemble will have an appropriate challenge, and it helps create a more inclusive group atmosphere. e educational merit of the work would be evident if there were more section features or dynamic variation, especially for an ensemble of this size. Nonetheless, it is a fine addition to the literature as a showcase piece to be enjoyed by audiences and students.
–Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 57, No. 2, May 2019
