Prom-Trom-Tom (Tom-Toms)

Prom-Trom-Tom (Tom-Toms) (This piece was written in April 2004 and first performed in a student final recital at Trinity College of Music, London in June 2004. It answered the need for a programme option with opportunities to show technique and style in an unusual setting. There are four clearly defined sections, each in a very different style and mood. The trombonist plays each from a different part of the stage and with a different muting. The opening section requires him to play from behind the tom-toms in a straight mute. The tom-tom player uses side-drum sticks. The mood is vigorous and excited. The second section is played from one side of the stage in a cup mute while the tom-toms are played with timpani sticks and is gently lyrical. For the third section the trombonist moves to the opposite side and plays, very animatedly in a harmon mute, tom-toms now with brushes. The soloist moves to the front of the platform for the final section which he plays open. The tom-toms are played with xylophone sticks. This is a fugato in rhythmic style. Performance notes: Trombone: 4 stands are required at the back, front and either side of the platform. If there is no riser behind the tom-toms then a rostrum may be required to raise the player sufficiently to be seen and heard. The cup mute needs to be placed at the 2nd station and the harmon at the 3rd. The tempos should relate accurately so make sure the initial speed is correct. Part 1: make sure the piano in bars 8, 11 and 12, also at 36 and 37 are good; these notes should sound like a separate part, quite distinct from the main line. Part 2: make the grace notes distinct but quick, against the grain. Part 3: play the closed notes firmly so that they are very audible. Part 4: play very distinctly throughout, even in quiet dynamics. As in part 1 the quieter notes in bars 157, 158 and 160 should sound like a second voice. Tom-toms: 4 differently pitched drums are required. Use as wide a range as available so that there is good distinction between the 4 voices. Side drum sticks are needed for Part 1, soft timp sticks for part 2, firm brushes for part 3 and hard, xylo sticks for the final section. The drums are placed centre stage so that the trombonist moves around them between sections.)