stones. on shores. waiting.

by Clif Walker

Medium-Advanced Percussion Ensemble

20 Players

Instrumentation:

• Glockenspiel
• Chimes
• Xylophone
• 2 Vibraphones
• 4 Marimbas — (2) 4-octave, (1) low F, (1) 5-octave
• 4 or 5 Timpani (20” optional)
• Piano
• Drums — concert bass drum, field drum, 4 concert toms, log drums (4 pitches), bongos
• Cymbals & gongs — 7 suspended cymbals (2 small, 3 medium, 2 large), 3 ride cymbals, China cymbal, splash cymbal, 7 finger cymbals, sizzle cymbal, tam-tam
• Accessories — 6 suspended resonant metals, 6 aluminum vibrato/wah-wah tubes*, mark tree, egg shaker, 3 triangles, bell tree, slapstick, vibraslap, ocean drum, 4 cowbells, temple blocks

*Preferred pitches (low to high): C#, E, F#, G#, A, B. If specific pitches are not available, any 6 tubes will work.

stones. on shores. waiting. by Clif Walker is a medium-advanced, large-scale percussion ensemble work for 20 players built around a wide palette of metals, drums, and keyboard percussion.

Inspired by a period of stillness and reflection, the piece unfolds through long stretches of sparse activity that expand into broader ensemble textures. The writing emphasizes pacing, control, and ensemble awareness, with players contributing to a continuous, evolving soundscape.

The setup features multiple suspended cymbals, resonant metals, and “wah-wah” vibrato tubes alongside mallet instruments, piano, timpani, and a full multi-percussion battery. These resources are used to create gradual shifts in density and color, with individual parts entering, overlapping, and receding over time.

The large instrumentation and extended form require careful coordination and balance, particularly in managing sustained sounds, timbral blending, and the transition between foreground and background material.

This piece is delivered in a large-format score (11″ x 14″). Individual parts come exclusively in PDF format.