Includes score. Eight scores needed for performance.
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Review from Percussive Notes (2021):
Flam
David Macbride
Premiered by the University of North Carolina – Pembroke Percussion Ensemble at PASIC 2015, “Flam” is an octet that utilizes two antiphonal groups of players in a large space. The piece also utilizes audience participation, making for a unique experience for the concert goer.
The piece calls for two sets of five Chinese toms, with both sets being as close to identical as possible. The drums should be pitched from low to high. If not available, the composer states that natural-skin drums are also usable, but says that “regular toms are okay as a last resort.” Performers should be placed so Players 1–4 are as far away from Players 5–8 as possible, and the performance space ideally is large and resonant.
Performers read from a score and perform by reacting to notes played by other players. The composer offers a general tempo for each section, but due to the spaced nature of the performers as well as the graphic nature of the score (notes are placed on a timeline after the first page as opposed to using traditional rhythmic notation), vertical alignment and accuracy is intentionally challenging.
Beyond the locational aspects of the work, another unique feature of this piece is the audience participation. Audience members are asked to bring two resonant stones with them to the performance. During two sections of the piece where performers use stones as well, audience members are asked to participate in the performance. The composer provides instructions to the audience for singular hits with the stones, making this approachable to anyone regardless of musical ability.
“Flam” is an interesting concept that would work very well in spaces like the one recommended by the composer. It also would be a good entry point for students who have not dealt with non-traditional notation, and the added audience participation makes for a unique experience for listeners and performers alike.
—Brian Nozny
