Stormbreak
Subtitle: For Percussion Octet (and Optional Wind Ensemble)
General Info
Year: 1995/2009
Duration: c. 3:30
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Tapspace Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $55.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Percussion Ensemble (8 players), including:
- Bass Drum
- Bongos
- Brake Drum
- Chimes
- China Cymbals
- Concert Tom (4)
- Conga
- Cowbell
- Finger Cymbals, mounted
- Glockenspiel
- Hi-Hat
- Ocean Drum
- Rainstick
- Shakers
- Snare Drum
- Splash Cymbal
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
- Timpani
- Triangle
- Vibra-slap
- Wood Block
- Xylophone
Wind Ensemble (optional)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Stormbreak was written as a sequel of sorts to Technology, another moderately simple piece for percussion octet that has since become quite popular for beginning-level percussion ensembles. Opening with nature-effect sounds, the storm breaks into a rhythmic “tip of the hat” to Technology on the rim of the snare drum. As rhythmic layers add in, the syncopated motif of Stormbreak becomes clear and continues to drive the piece throughout.
- Program Note by composer
Utilizing frequent repeats in most parts, the work offers a great way for young to intermediate players to become more comfortable with the concept of “grooving” in their own part while placing that groove within the mix of their fellow groove-playing compadres.
- Program Note from Roma Middle School Symphonic Winds concert program, 15 December 2016
Commissioned by the Lanier Middle School Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Band (Hunter McRae, director). Premiered at the University of Georgia Middle School Festival 2007.
- Program Note from score
Media
State Ratings
- Missouri: Percussion Ensemble B
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Washington Union High School (Fresno, Calif.) Wind Ensemble (Robert Madrid, conductor) – 22 April 2022 (2022 San Joaquin Valley (Calif.) Concert Band Invitational)
- Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic) Concert Band (Kelly Watkins, conductor) - 1 December 2021
- W.H. Oliver Middle School (Nashville, Tenn.) Wind Ensemble (Susan Walters, conductor) – 22 February 2018 (CBDNA 2018 Southern Conference, Tampa, Fla.)
- Roma (Texas) Middle School Symphonic Winds (Moses Simon, conductor) - 15 December 2016 (2016 Midwest Clinic)
- Arlington High School (LaGrangeville, N.Y.) Percussion Ensemble (Richard F. Guillen, conductor) – 27 May 2015
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Cyclone (2010)
- Fight or Flight (2012)
- Katraterra (2006)
- Scuttlebutt (2014)
- Stormbreak (1995)
- Technology (1998)
Resources
- Casella, J. (2009). Stormbreak : For Percussion Octet (and Optional Wind Ensemble) [score]. Tapspace Publications: Portland, Ore.
- Jim Casella website Accessed 9 December 2016
- Perusal score.