Bubblez for percussion ensemble with electronics
 
Difficulty: Intermediate / Advanced

Duration: 6'50"
For six or 8 players: 2 vibraphones, 1 xylophone, two 4.3 marimbas, one 5.0 octave marimbas (Optional: Bass drum, Suspended Cymbal, and Gong), 1-8 channel audio interface and amplification.
 
* Sequence track for performance, which requires logic 10.4.1 above, and practice tracks (each part) will be sent separately. 
 
Bubblez is inspired by jazz guitarist Miles Okazaki’s first album Mirror. Bubblez is constructed on systematic harmony and the grouping of rhythmic subdivisions consisting of three 36-measure cycles in 4/4 time. The music gradually shifts one to another subdivision. It is intended to be performed with click tracks; either 6 players with a recorded sequence or track, or 8 players. 
 
Review:
 
Percussive Notes, Vol. 57, No. 5, November 2019, p.77
 
Difficulty: V
 
     “Bubblez” is a complex work for percussion ensemble with challenging individual parts. Ac-cording to the composer, “‘Bubblez’ is inspired by jazz guitarist Miles Okazaki’s first album, Mirror. It is constructed on systematic harmony and the grouping of rhythmic subdivisions consisting of three 36-measure cycles in 4/4 time.”
     Included with the score is a graphic layout of the form (measures, subdivision, pitch set, and mode), a setup diagram, mallet suggestions, a breakdown of the click track for each player, and performance notes. Also included is a sequence track, which the webpage for the piece indicates requires Logic 10.4.1 or above, and individual click tracks. The click tracks are included be-cause parts are layered resulting in oftentimes simultaneous presentations of motives in 3, 4, 5, and 7. The harmonic structure cycles through a minor pentatonic, F minor pentatonic, and C-sharp minor pentatonic.
     Programming this piece would be a large undertaking for an advanced college ensemble. That said, the result is a beautiful, vibrant, and rhythmically driven work that would no doubt be well-received by audiences. Once you work through all the logistics and technological re-quirements, “Bubblez” provides a unique musical experience.
     —Justin Bunting