Up Sticks by Clive Malabar
Up Sticks appears in the ABRSM Percussion Syllabus at Grade 7. Clive Malabar, the composer, began the piece by improvising a few rhythms and incorporating different sounds using the sticks and various parts of the drum. The finished piece contains elements of jazz/funk with syncopations and uneven time signatures such as 7/8.
There should be an improvised feel to the piece but with an underlying groove throughout and a sense of fun and exuberance! Have you played this piece or another Snare Drum piece from Percussion Syllabus? Let us know by sending an email to [email protected]