Hands Up for percussion trio
Publisher: C. Alan Publications (2005)
Composed: 2002
Duration: 2’45”
Difficulty: Medium
Instrumentation (3 players): three congas (may subsitute djembe or cajon)
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Hands Up is a conga trio based loosely on elements of west African djembe rhythms. The piece opens in 12/8 time with a unison statement from the ensemble, then alternates between layered patterns, solo sections for each players, and that original statement. The mid-section of the piece shifts temporarily into 4/4 time and each player utilizes a different implement (brush, blastick, or mallet) on the conga or conga shell. The original feel returns for a short reprise of the opening material. Listen carefully to the variety of sounds drawn from the conga by means of bass and dead strokes, open tones, and slaps.

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… an interesting work that will be a good introduction to hand drumming techniques. – Tom Morgan
Printed by permission of the Percussive Arts Society, inc.