The Land of Steady Habits

by Jason Baker

Medium Marimba Solo

Instrumentation:

• Marimba — low E (optional low A)

The Land of Steady Habits by Jason Baker is a medium-level marimba solo inspired by the composer’s connection to his childhood home of Connecticut. Its title comes from a centuries-old nickname for the state, and the music reflects the sense of rest and renewal Baker experiences when returning home each year.

The piece opens with a gentle, cantabile character and moves fluidly through changing meters. As the work unfolds, shifts in tempo, dynamics, and tonal color provide contrast, including a more animated vivace section before the opening character returns. These changes give the performer opportunities to shape long musical phrases while navigating transitions between reflective and more energetic material.

Warm and introspective, The Land of Steady Habits offers developing marimbists a musically rewarding solo that emphasizes expression, phrasing, and sensitivity.

This piece ships as a fully bound score. Individual parts come exclusively in PDF format.