Flat Circle

by John Kosch

Medium Concert Percussion

for marimba quartet with optional drumset

4-5 Players

Instrumentation:

• Marimba (low A) shared by all four marimba players
• Optional drumset w/ mounted tambourine

Flat Circle by John Kosch is written for four players sharing a single 4.3-octave (low A) marimba with an optional drumset part. Designed for developing percussionists beginning to explore four-mallet technique, the piece uses double vertical strokes and comfortable intervals (mainly 4ths and 5ths) as well as a repeated sticking permutation found across all four parts.

Two performers play from each side of the marimba—an increasingly popular setup that conserves stage space and encourages ensemble awareness. The writing keeps the “backwards” players primarily on the upper manual to simplify pitch navigation while still creating engaging musical interplay. Directors may also add drumset and tambourine for additional color and rhythmic drive.

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