Red Sky

Alan Keown

8 Players

Medium Concert Percussion

Instrumentation: Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, 2 Marimbas — (1) 4-octave, (1) low A, Drums — concert bass drum, concert snare drum, 2 congas (high/low), 3 concert toms (high/medium/low), Cymbals & gongs — 2 China cymbals, 5 suspended cymbals, Accessories — mark tree, ocean drum, ratchet, 1 (or 2) ship’s bell (or Zil-bel or similar), tambourine, triangle, woodblock

Set sail on an adventurous voyage with Red Sky, a thematic percussion ensemble by Alan Keown. Created for an 8-player ensemble with a medium skill level, this piece transports you into an unpredictable narrative between the elements and those who brave the open waters.

Red Sky is comprised of three connected movements: morning/the trip out of the harbor, the storm, and the trip back. Each section features unique musical elements that will engage students. From the serene and cinematic opening and jaunty 6/8 jig, to the aggressive full ensemble drumming section, this is a piece that students will be thrilled to rehearse and perform.

While the piece requires a number of unique instruments, such as a ship's bell and ocean drum, the overall footprint of the ensemble is relatively small, perfect for a small chamber ensemble or percussion ensemble concerts.

Red Sky ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.