The Galway Belle Polka (Traditional)

by Kyle H. Peters

Medium Concert Percussion

6 Players

Instrumentation:

• Xylophone
• 2 Marimbas — (1) 4-octave, (1) low A
• Medium-low tom-tom
• Tambourine

The Galway Belle Polka by Kyle Peters is a medium-level arrangement of the traditional Irish tune, scored for six players with a compact and practical setup. Originally prepared for the Rochester Philharmonic Marimba Band, the instrumentation is designed for flexibility, making it well-suited for smaller venues or travel-friendly performances.

Xylophone and Marimba 1 carry much of the melodic material, supported by two additional marimba parts, while tom-tom and tambourine create the idiomatic rhythmic underpinnings. With one of the marimbas shared by two players, this streamlined scoring allows ensembles to achieve a full, balanced sound without requiring extensive equipment.

Rhythmic precision and light articulation are key, with players working together to maintain the characteristic lift and forward motion of the style. The accessible instrumentation and clear musical roles make this a strong programming option for ensembles seeking a concise, energetic addition to a concert.

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