One Small Step

One Small Step draws inspiration from the Apollo missions, capturing the training, launch, awe of space, challenges, and ultimate triumph of the first moon landing. The show opens with JFK’s “Moon Speech,” transitions into drumline training simulations, and launches into space with an explosive opener. A soaring ballad evokes the majesty of space, using authentic NASA sounds, before the closer depicts a thrilling struggle after an in-flight explosion. Commissioned by the East-Syracuse Minoa Indoor Percussion Ensemble, One Small Step helped them achieve their highest Scholastic A placement and score in school history.

Musical Selections:

• Original Music by John Max McFarland

Show Duration: 4:29

Tempo Range: 70, 112, 120, 128, 144, 164, 168, 186

Difficulty Levels:

• Battery: 3
• Front Ensemble: 2

Instrumentation

• Snares
• Tenors (5)
• Bass Drums (5)
• Cymbals
• Glockenspiel
• Vibraphone 1, 2, 3
  
• Xylophone/Chimes (1 Player)
• Marimba 1, 2, 3, 4
• Percussion 1, 2, 3
  
• Synthesizer/Sampler