IKO IKO
for percussion ensemble
Publisher: SMP Press (2026)
Composed: 2026
Duration: 2’20”
Difficulty: Medium-Easy
Instrumentation (7 players): glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, shared 4.3-octave marimba, woodblock, congas, drumset
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Iko Iko is a classic Mardi Gras tune that was made popular by the Dixie Cups and later covered by Cindi Lauper, The Grateful Dead, and the Belle Stars, the last of which was used in the 1988 film Rain Man. This keyboard percussion ensemble with congas and drumset may be played with as few as seven players or may be programmed with larger ensembles by doubling any or all of the keyboard parts. This arrangement also features an optional open solo section for drumset and congas. Sounds originally emanating from an aluminum chair, a studio ashtray, and a Coke bottle in the Dixie Cups version are recreated with snare drum rim, hi-hat with foot, claps, and woodblock in the opening of a work that builds eventually to a full ensemble mambo groove. This intermediate percussion ensemble arrangement is certain to be an entertaining selection for performers and audiences alike.