Material

Regional A version available by request

Show Synopsis:

Material is a playful journey through sound, history, and rhythm, using Madonna’s Material Girl as the thread that ties it all together. The show opens in the world of wood, where primitive man “knocks on wood” to create rhythm. Only the marimbas, xylophones, and wood-surfaced tenors are heard, giving the music a raw, organic texture. The staging and sounds celebrate humanity’s earliest instruments, as if rhythm itself is being discovered for the very first time.

The second act shifts into the age of metal, but here the approach is slow, lyrical, and resonant. The cymbals shimmer and sustain, while the snare drummers delicately play on metal discs, blending with the glowing tones of vibraphones and glockenspiel. This movement paints a reflective picture of the Industrial Revolution era—not just the clamor of machines, but also the beauty and artistry hidden within metal’s resonance. Finally, the show bursts into the modern age of plastics, powered by pounding PVC pipes and vibrant colors. The energy builds into a full drumline celebration, capped by a triumphant performance of Material Girl with sampled vocals. By the end, Material shines as both a musical time machine and a fun, modern-day jam that leaves audiences grinning.

Tempo Range: 120 - 144BPM

Instrumentation:

• Snares
• Tenors (5)
• Basses (5)
• Flub
• Cymbals
• Glockenspiel
• Vibes 1
• Vibes 2
• Vibes 3
• Vibes 4
• Xylophone 1 (Advanced)
• Xylophone 2 (Beginner)
• Marimba 1
• Marimba 2
• Marimba 3
• Synthesizer 1
• Synthesizer 2
• Sampler
• Bass Guitar
• Percussion 1
• Percussion 2
• Percussion 3

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