Curious Surroundings

by Clif Walker

Advanced Concert Percussion

16 Players

Instrumentation: • Crotales (upper octave) • Glockenspiel • Chimes • 2 vibraphones • Xylophone • 4 marimbas—(1) 4-octave, (2) 4.3-octave (low A), (1) 5-octave (low C)* • Piano • 4 timpani • Cymbals & gongs (2 splashes, suspended cymbal, tam-tam) • Drums (snare drum, concert bass drum) • Accessories (mark tree, spoke, glass bowl, finger cymbals, triangle, vibraslap, temple blocks, 10 whistling tubes, slap stick, lion’s roar, 5 shakers, varied small resonant metals) * A low E marimba can be substituted with minimal alterations.

Curious Surroundings was written by Clif Walker as a way to represent the local folklore of the mysterious North Carolina mountains. The piece is comprised of three varying sections, each inspired by infamous ghost stories: I. The Phantom Choir of Roan Mountain, II. The Brown Mountain Lights from Wiseman’s View, and III. The Demon Dog of Valle Crucis. In addition to the 11 performers on the stage, there are also an additional 5 performers surrounding the audience, playing antiphonally.

Curious Surroundings was commissioned by Dr. Adam Groh and the Western Carolina University Percussion Ensemble.

In addition to the printed score you are receiving downloadable:

✅ Individual Parts
✅ Full Recording