Folklore

Folklore was commissioned by the Farmington United Percussion Ensemble for their 2017 WGI season, where they earned the Silver Medal in Percussion Independent A Class with their highest score to date. "Folklore" explores the storytelling and traditions passed down through generations in a tribal culture. The piece is divided into three sections, each representing different aspects of culture and history. Section 1 depicts the passing of stories, with repetitive clapping and stomping patterns shared across the ensemble. Section 2 illustrates tribal conflicts, using cymbal and drum totems and intense, pointillistic battery moments. Section 3 celebrates unity despite differences, as the final ensemble moment returns to the original clapping/stomping routine, symbolizing the end of the final story in their folklore.

Musical Selections:

• Original Music by John Max McFarland

Show Duration: 5:32

Difficulty Levels:

• Battery: 4
• Front Ensemble: 4

Instrumentation

• Snares
• Tenors
• Bass Drums (5)
• Cymbals
• Glockenspiel
• Vibraphone 1, 2
  
• Xylophone
• Marimba 1, 2
• Percussion 1, 2
  
• Drumset
  
• Bass Guitar
• Synthesizer 1, 2