Archers

by Clif Walker

Advanced Concert Percussion

9-10 Players

Instrumentation:

• Crotales (high octave)
• Glockenspiel
• Chimes
• Xylophone
• 2 Vibraphones
• 2 Marimbas — (1) 4-octave, (1) low A
• 3 or 4 Timpani (32” optional)
• Drums — field drum (or snare drum), large hand drum (or tom), concert bass drum
• Cymbals & gongs — 4 suspended cymbals, 2 China cymbals, sizzle cymbal, ride cymbal, tam-tam
• Accessories — finger cymbals* (or triangle beaters), sleigh bells, triangle, mark tree, tambourine, vibraslap, 5 temple blocks
• Piano or synth (optional)

*used as an implement

Archers by Clif Walker is a three-movement programmatic work depicting three famous archers: Sagittarius, Cupid, and Robin Hood. The piece offers developing ensembles an entertaining way to strengthen mallet skills, rhythmic confidence, and ensemble playing while delivering a memorable concert selection.

Written for nine percussionists with optional piano/synth for a tenth player, Archers packs valuable musical development into an immediately engaging package. Beginning four-mallet techniques for vibes and marimbas are joined by an approachable introduction to mixed meter with moderate tempi and repetitive, friendly phrasing. Scraping effects on tam-tam and suspended cymbals provide a clever unifying touch, representing arrows being fired throughout the work.

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