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The Game

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Edition SvitzerAtoms For 4
Atoms For 4
Grace of Silence
Edition SvitzerGrace of Silence

Composer: Edmund Jolliffe

Instrument: Percussion Ensemble

Level: Easy/Intermediate

Published: 2022

  • Description

    • Preface
      'The Game' was commissioned by Odense Percussion. The parts are set at different standards, rising gradually in difficulty from Player 1 - 6. The basket ball bounce may be taken by a separate player or, if taken by Player 1, they should ignore the maracas after bar 89. At this point the player should come to the centre of the stage. Depending on performance venue/circumstances, for added drama the basket ball may be thrown in the last bar - perhaps caught by someone in the audience, or if performed in a sports hall, aimed at a hoop.

      This piece uses a lot of repetition. A phrase we hear a lot is 'practice makes perfect' and musicians often have to repeat phrases a lot to hone a particular skill. The same is true in sport. Everyone has to practise on their own but a piece/game only works when players work together.

      'The Game' is meant to be enjoyable and fun. It never gets too serious. Even its climactic moments are fake climaxes really - based on diminished seventh chords. After all, it's only a game.

      Edmund Jolliffe

    • Percussion Sextet

      Marimba (5 Octave)
      Xylophone
      Vibraphone
      Drumkit
      Triangle (small)
      Maracas Referee
      Whistle (on string around neck)
      Basket Ball (may also be taken by a separate player)
  • Review (Percussive Notes, June 2022)
The Game” is a percussion ensemble piece in which each part is more difficult than the other. This means that Part 1 is playable for almost any percussionist, including beginners, and Parts 4 and 5 are much more difficult and use four mallets. Given the unique structure of the parts, this is perfect for a situation where you would want to blend ability levels; think high school/college age playing with middle school and even elementary aged students.

The composer writes, “This piece uses a lot of repetition. A phrase we hear a lot is ‘practice makes perfect,’ and musicians often have to repeat phrases a lot to hone a particular skill. The same is true in sport. Everyone has to practice on their own, but a piece/game only works when players work together.” This is also a good opportunity to teach the process of practice and repetition.

In addition to the orchestration of levels being something entirely unique, it is simply a delightful piece, and I highly recommend it for situations that demand players of varying skill levels.

—Joe Millea