Scuttlebutt by Jim Casella for percussion octet. This piece is the third in a series of groove-based pieces for intermediate and developing percussion ensembles. It follows Technology and Stormbreak, both of which rely on similar basic limited instrumentations, 8 players, and syncopated repetitive patterns to which younger ensembles effectively relate. The rhythmic textures are first built from scratch, one layer at a time, allowing the performers to naturally build their ensemble awareness and listening skills. As the piece progresses they are expanded to mini-features and conversational ideas that get thrown around the ensemble in a way that's certain to keep the audience wondering what will happen next!Catchy, singable, and designed from the ground up to be a crowd pleaser, Scuttlebutt is crafted to not only challenge young percussionists but also to motivate them to become masters of simple-yet-powerful rhythmic ideas.Instrumentation:XylophoneGlockenspiel2 Suspended CymbalsTam Tam3 TimpaniBass DrumSnare DrumTemple BlocksCabasaHi-Hat4 Toms3 CowbellsTambourineTriangleSplash CymbalVibraslap
