TIGHT QUARTERS
for four players on one xylophone (with optional bells)
Publisher: C. Alan Publications (2018)
Composed: 2018
Duration: 3’15”
Difficulty: Medium-Easy
Instrumentation (4-7 players): xylophone, glockenspiel (opt.)
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Demonstrating an extreme economy of space, Tight Quarters is scored for four players on a single, shared xylophone, with an optional glockenspiel part playable by one to three players, again on a single instrument. Alternating between composite arpeggiations, simple melodies harmonized in parallel motion, and ensemble scale figures, this chamber ensemble work is captivating in its simplicity and an excellent opportunity to consider and workshop ensemble choreography. For a larger ensemble, the xylophone parts may be doubled on marimba and the optional glockenspiel part may be doubled on vibraphone. If a xylophone or glockenspiel is unavailable, the piece may be performed on marimba and optional vibraphone.

… the piece can truly be played either way [with or without glockenspiel] without disrupting the performers’ or audiences’ experience and enjoyment. At just over three minutes in length “Tight Quarters” is quick and exciting, both musically and visually. – Matthew Geiger
Printed by permission of the Percussive Arts Society, inc.