For solo percussion, includes score. Multi-percussion solo requires a snare drum, two timpani and orchestra bells, a combination found in almost every Jr. and High school band room. Fun to play, it provides both musical and technical challenges for the young player. Duration: ca. 3' 40"
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Review from Percussive Notes:
Rondo
G. Allan O’Connor
Written in 1971, “Rondo” is a short multi-percussion solo for younger players. It is roughly 3 ½ minutes in length and requires a small set of instruments and implements.
Composed at a moderate tempo of 96 to 100 beats-per-minute, there is only a slight bit of musical demand to this solo, meaning that it is a good work for exposing younger performers to the demands of navigating a multi-percussion setup. The composer has made clear indications for implements to be used and has also written with space for those implement changes to occur.
There is a great bit of variety to this work and benefit to younger students with regard to dealing with the logistics of being a percussionist, especially in a concert band setting where many times players are expected to move between a variety of instruments, sometimes will less-than-ideal time to transition. “Rondo” will help to give students experience switching quickly between instruments and implements, which will be highly beneficial to them as they grow in experience. The fact that this piece contains timpani and glockenspiel in addition to snare drum means they will be getting experience on three of the main families of percussion instruments in one piece. I enjoy how there are a good variety of logistical demands in the piece, from switching instruments to switching implements, and even smaller details like turning snares on and off.
The musical difficulty of “Rondo” is minimal, but there is tremendous value in the piece regardless. Younger students will gain valuable “beyond the notes” lessons that students need to learn to successfully execute a performance. With the minimal equipment demands, this piece could also be extremely valuable to college percussion methods classes, as the work will give future band directors a perfect vehicle to understand the logistical demands that percussionists face.
—Brian Nozny, 2020
