Poppin' for snare drum and microwave
Print size: Letter (8.5 x 11")
Review from Percussive Notes (2026):
With hints of Joseph Tompkins and Jacques Delécluse, this 2 1⁄2-minute snare drum solo combines artistic flair, theatre treatments, and enough nested tuplets to satisfy any late-night cravings. Officially, this solo is written for “snare drum and microwave” and is written with permission granted to the player to perform with an actual microwave cooking a bag of popcorn on stage during the solo. As one might expect, the solo does not rely on rhythmic hooks and thematic structure, but instead is written in a way that the through-composed nature sounds random, similar to the chaotic rhythmic organization of the sounds of popcorn kernels exploding in a microwave bag.
From a performance standpoint, percussionists will have to be able to play with nuance, control over rhythms and pulse, and sticking choices in order to deliver a musical product that portrays organization and artistic intent. While this piece could be played without food cooking on stage, the effect will be much more impactful with the added theatrical element of kernels popping at random times. Chance operations and aromas combined with tasty snare drum notes — what a great combination!
—Joshua D. Smith
