Wu Xing: 2nd Mallet Percussion

The Wu Xing (pronounced wu-hsing) are the traditional Chinese five phases---Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. "Wu" refers to the number 5 and "Xing" means phases. In Wu Xing the concept is more fluid, ever-changing, and more akin to phases. These five phases also have traditional pitch associations in Western solfege that produce a pentatonic scale and these corresponding harmonies.

This work is in effect a Concertino for Two Percussion and Band. The number five is referred to throughout the idea of Wu Xing, and I have used it here in a variety of musical ways---five-measure phrases, five-note harmonies, a five-note melody, five-note rhythms, etc. The work features two solo percussionists playing a variety of sounds organized by instruments made of, or representing, metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. Winner of the 2016 College Band Director's National Association Young Band Composition Contest.