Most of my music was written as a result of programming and pedagogical needs encountered as a university percussion instructor. Other instructors and students may find these works helpful in developing four mallet technique on marimba and vibraphone, integrating hand drumming technique into an ensemble program, and providing intermediate and advanced concert works which utilize contemporary techniques and musical styles.

With the notes and sound file links below, directors and performers have the opportunity to determine if a piece of music is suitable for a particular programming or teaching situation. For those interested in purchasing my music links to the C Alan Publications and jbsmithmusic.com on-line stores are at the bottom of the page.

ENSEMBLES

  • "By Harmony" for 3 vibraphones and wind ensemble

    By Harmony is an elaboration on the second movement of J. B. Smith's Re: Joyce for 3 solo percussionists and orchestra. Re: Joyce is based on several aspects of Irish novelist and poet James Joyce's literary techniques and aesthetic proclivities: stream of consciousness writing process, free mixture of contrasting literary styles, use of classical literature as a organizing framework, his division of aesthetic philosophy into three classifications and his recognition of music as an energy source which compels man to live life to the fullest. Re: Joyce was written in 2010 for the Caixa Trio (Julie Davila, Julie Hill and Amy Smith). By Harmony was arranged for Wind Ensemble in 2019 and premiered by the composer, Joseph Millea and Doug Nottingham on Sept 19, 2019 with Jason Caslor conducting the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble. 6 minutes.

  • "...all things hastened back to Unity" for 13 percussionists

    Difficult work for large ensemble. Large scale structure built using thematic development, fugue techniques and rhythmic polyphony. From an eight measure chord progression and a single arpeggiation pattern come all melodic and rhythmic material for the work. As with most of my compositions, musical personalities are introduced and developed within an abstract social context. By using organic self-containment, all musical motion and expression maintain relevance to the global macrocosm. In a simple way, the musical language has fractal properties: the overall architecture is illuminated by the actions of each musical moment. Instrumentation: Soprano; Player 1: glock, crotales, marimba, vibes (shared); Player 2: xylophone, vibes (shared), glock; Player 3: vibes, glock; Player 4: vibes; Player 5: marimba, conga, vibes (shared); Player 6: marimba, glock; Player 7: marimba; Player 8: marimba; Player 9: marimba; Player 10: vibes, marimba (shared); Player 11: small bass drum, 4 toms, picc wood block, sus cymbal; Player 12: splash and resonant metals, suspended cym; Player 13: log drum, ped bass drum, wood block, conga, sus cymbal. 20 minutes.


  • "Concertante Diversion" for six multiple percussionists and concert band (version 1) or tape (version 2) [mp3 excerpt file (816K)]

    Challenging work for six players. All have multiple instruments. For version 2, the accompaniment is recorded onto one channel of the stereo recording and a click track is recorded onto the other. The accompaniment is fed as a mono signal into a sound system and the click track is either sent to a single pair of headphones for a conductor to reference or sent to six sets of headphones for each of the players. Three clicks are given before the downbeat. 11 minutes.


  • "Conga Mix" for conga trio or conga solo with tape [mp3 excerpt file (699K)]

    Fully notated work for three drummers, each with one conga. Included is an in-depth notation key with conga technique tutorial. Good introduction to conga playing. Three varying sections are connected by metric modulation and pattern shifting. Each player is featured with a solo in each of the sections. Solos are notated but may be substituted with improvised solos. Tape part consists of the second and third player's parts in stereo. 5 minutes.


  • "Congastück" for 2 conga players [mp3 excerpt file (843K)]

    Fun work for 2 players sharing four drums. The interaction creates a visually, as well as aurally, exciting piece. Included is an in-depth notation key with conga technique tutorial. Good introduction to conga playing. 5 minutes.


  • "Conga Tarang" for conga trio

    Fully notated work for three drummers sharing 6 congas. Each player also uses a pedal instrument (woodblock, cowbell and bass drum). Included is an in-depth notation key with conga technique tutorial. Written for the Caixa Trio (Julie Davila, Julie Hill and Amy Smith). The use of tarang in the title is a distant reference to the multiple drum configurations employed by some North Indian tabla players. Tabla are inherently melodic when used in the usual pairs. When more are utilized, complex melodic activity can be created. In a similar ay, Conga Tarang takes advantage of the melodic potential of six congas. Photos of the Caixa Trio performing the piece are available here and here. A YouTube video of a performance can be seen here. 5 minutes.


  • "Coping Strategy I" for violin, clarinet, tuba, piano and percussion [mp3 excerpt file (2.4Mb)]

    A group of five musicians can display characteristics resembling a single entity (a single instrument with 5 different timbres), a cross section of society (five individuals carrying on a musical conversation) or a chaotic amalgam of diverse creatures. In Coping Strategy I, written for Robert Spring (clarinet), Katie McLin (violin), Sam Pilafian (tuba), Andrew Campbell (piano) and the composer (percussion) during the summer of 2002, activities ensue which can be described in all three modes: 1) A repeating seven bar chord progression, representing the life pulse of a single organism, is infected by a contrasting chromatic motive which eventually engulfs the chords. The infection is repelled, but returns to lead a dance of death (a la "plague of the passacaglia"), 2) Five individuals gradually interrupt a monotonous dialogue with disturbed interjections of dissonance, withdraw, then resume destruction of the monotony, 3) 5 instruments, all widely different in nature, choose idiomatic means to disrupt community of a musical status quo.


  • "Devil Down" for steel band [mp3 excerpt file (844K)]

    Energetic Latin-inspired composition for steel band. Written for Elizabeth DeLamater and the Pan Devils Steel Band at Arizona State University for their 2010 winter concert.


  • "In Light of Three" for clarinet, marimba/vibes and tape [mp3 excerpt file (698K)]

    Two movement work with lyrical first movement and odd-meter, funk-derived second movement. Marimba used in first movement and vibraphone in second. High register in clarinet part requires advanced player. The piece is a favorite closer for the Desert's Edge Clarinet-Percussion Duo. Originally conceived as a piece for tape accompaniment, it was later designed to be controlled by interactive software written for Macintosh. By using the computer version coordinated entrances are insured. Contact me if you have questions. 8 minutes.


  • "It's Destiny...Gasp!" for voice and eight percussionists [mp3 excerpt file (839K)]

    Medium difficult work for soprano and ensemble written with M.B. Hanrahan. Instrumentation: Soprano; Player 1: marimba (low F if available), suspended cymbal, brake drum, power drill; Player 2: vibes, log drum (2 pitches), claves, cabasa, amplified 12" ruler on tabletop (or sampled ruler snap played back through amplification system); Player3: tuned cowbells (E-flat, G, A-flat, B-flat, D-flat, E-flat and A-flat) or orchestra bells octave higher, slapstick, guiro; Player 4: high tom tom, woodblock; Player 5: medium tom tom, medium bass drum (on side), low roto tom, small timpani; Player 6: Cuica, splash cymbal, pedal bass drum; Player 7: low floor tom, snare drum; Player 8: single conga drum (with notation key and tutorial). 5 minutes.


  • "Meta Motto" for wind ensemble [mp3 excerpt file (3.8Mb)]

    The prefix meta- is used to direct meaning back unto a subject: metadata is data about data, metaemotion refers to an individual's emotion about his/her own basic emotion. As a motto is a slogan or phrase designed to summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization, Meta Motto builds upon its own architecture by reflecting upon the work's introductory melodic fragments and harmonic structures.


  • "Mountain Images" for percussion quintet
    I. Meadows [mp3 excerpt file (702K)]
    II. Boulder [mp3 excerpt file (680K)]
    III. Waters [mp3 excerpt file (744K)]
    IV. Wildervine [mp3 excerpt file (916K)]
    V. Salutation and Hymn [mp3 excerpt file (1M)]

    A five movement work for five multiple percussion setups written in collaboration with choreopgrapher Nancy Lamp for the Humboldt State University music and dance group Sounding Visions. The movements are not programmatic in a literal sense but are suggestive of the tableaux and natural drama one might encounter in a mountain environment. Although the piece was written to be performed in its complete form without breaks between movements, movements can be extracted and rearranged as deemed appropriate. If some of the instruments called for in the score are unavailable (Chinese opera gong, cuica, etc.) instruments which create a similar sound and pitch can be used in their place. Instruments called for: 12 toms, 2 bass drums, 1 or 2 marimbas, vibraphone, crotales (1 octave), 2 timpani, drumset, 5-8 suspended cymbals, chinese cymbal, gong, 2 tam tams, 3 woodblocks, temple blocks, 2 guiros, timbales, 4 cowbells, 4 brake drums, 4 metal pipes, triangle, shaker, maracas, afuche, conga, bongos, piccolo snare, cuica, slide whistle, sandpaper blocks, ratchet, mouth siren, slapstick, gliss gong (small Chinese opera gong or equivalent). 15 minutes.


  • "Re: Joyce" A Concerto for Percussion Trio and Symphony Orchestra
    I. By Wholeness [mp3 excerpt file (10.1Mb)]
    II. By Harmony [mp3 excerpt file (6.7Mb)]
    III. By Radiance [mp3 excerpt file (10.4Mb)]

    Re:Joyce is based on several aspects of Irish novelist and poet James Joyce's literary techniques and aesthetic proclivities: stream of consciousness writing process, free mixture of contrasting literary styles, use of classical literature as a organizing framework, his division of aesthetic philosophy into three classifications and his recognition of music as an energy source which compels man to live life to the fullest. Instrumentation of Soloists: I. 3 marimbas, II. one shared vibraphone (or 3 vibraphones), III. samba reggae percussion section (caixa, repenique, 3 surdos)


  • "Ringing Webs of Metal Threads" for vibraphone duo [mp3 excerpt file (710K)]

    Advanced four mallet duet in two parts. The opening is lyrical and flowing. The second part uses interlocking four note chords to create a vibrant fabric of sound. Overlapping melodic lines requrie extensive pedaling and mallet dampening. 7 minutes.


  • "Seconds Lost" for marimba duo [mp3 excerpt file (519K)]

    A serial work in arch form. An opening figure acts as a rondo-like theme which reappears in the middle and end. The first half of the piece is free and austere. The second half is rhythmic and playful. 5 minutes


  • "Skin Tensor" for percussion trio [mp3 excerpt file (883K)]

    Short work for three players each with three toms. The work was written with the assistance of Sever Tipei and his MP1 computer-assisted composition program. By use of thematic transformation and dynamic control, emphasis is moved gradually from one player to the next. 3 minutes.


  • "Slap Shift" for six conga drummers [mp3 excerpt file (703K)]

    Fully notated work for six drummers, each with one conga. Included is an in-depth notation key with conga technique tutorial. Good introduction to conga playing. Four varying sections are connected by metric modulation and pattern shifting. 7 minutes.


  • "Soca Phase" for 2 conga players

    Complex work for 2 players sharing each with 2 congas, pedal bass drum and pedal cowbell. Through motivic development and canonic alignment, the parts merge into a 4/4 groove which employs the traditional conga patterns used in West Indies soca style. Four limb coordination required. Included is an in-depth notation key with conga technique tutorial. 5 minutes.


  • "Spin Family Portrait" for saxophone quartet, 12 percussionists and electric bass [mp3 excerpt file (4.7Mb)]

    There are two fundamental kinds of matter in the universe: bosoms and fermions. Due to their difference in a quantum physical property called spin, fermions have a tendency to stay isolated while bosons tend to attract each other. In Spin Family Portrait, musical relationships reflect a similar dichotomy, at times melodic lines are separated from the mass, other times the parts assimilate into a coherent whole. Whereas 21st century humans have difficulty generating mental images of the world explained by quantum theory, maybe music is better suited to describe the structures built by the universe�s smallest citizens. Spin Family Portrait was written for Christopher Creviston, the Capitol Quartet and the Arizona State University Contemporary Percussion Ensemble.


  • "Trio Passacaglia" for vibraphone, marimba and bass marimba [mp3 excerpt file (662K)]

    Two mallet trio for advanced players. A repeating bass line provides the foundation for progressively expanding melodic activity. Fun work with a few unexpected musical twists and turns. 5 minutes.

SOLOS

  • "Boundary Waters" for solo marimba [mp3 excerpt file (800K)]

    Advanced four mallet work. A free/chromatic opening leads into a rhythmic/tonal section which degenerates into a polymetric cloud. Out of the cloud comes a familiar quotation which sets up a slow, melodic chorale. A festive coda closes the work. Mallet independence required. Originally written as accompaniment for solo dancer. 7 minutes.


  • "Choice" for solo marimba [mp3 excerpt file (608K)]

    Intermediate/advanced four mallet work. Tonal piece with free, somber introduction, driving rhythmic section and soft conclusion. Mixed meter used extensively. Originally written as accompaniment for solo dancer. 7 minutes.


  • "Coping Strategy II" for solo marimba and prerecorded electronics [mp3 excerpt file (2.6Mb)]

    Using the additive process of canon and multi-track recording technology, four distinct layers of musical lines are gradually assembled: bass, melody, chordal and melismatic lines. After the structure is fully realized the rhythmic voices are subjected to deconstructive processes and melded into the sustaining chordal line. In the end, metric punctuation evaporates into a cloud of harmony. Coping Strategy II was written for an East Coast recital tour during the Spring of 2006. Accompaniment files for two versions are included: 1) mono accompaniment with click track. Using two splitter adapters or a stereo mixer, the audio accompaniment is channeled to both sides of a stereo playback system while the click track signal is sent to a headphone amplifier. 2) stereo accompaniment with click track. Three separate aiff files can be imported into a multi-track audio system. Audio tracks are sent to a playback system while click track is sent to headphone output.


  • "Dulcimer Dream" for marimba/vibes and tape [mp3 excerpt file (801K)]

    Phil Winsor's solo piano piece with a transcription for marimba/vibe (marimba stacked behind vibraphone) and tape. Tonal work in a minimal style which uses rhythmic independence and lush harmonies to create a beautiful solo piece. Includes piano score, marimba/vibe part and tape. 10 minutes.


  • "First Reflection" for solo marimba [mp3 excerpt file (581K)]

    Advanced four mallet work. Tonal piece with slow introduction followed by a driving rhythmic section. One hand rolls and mixed meter used extensively. 7 minutes.


  • "Five Concert Etudes" for marimba
    Etude 1 [mp3 excerpt file (1M)]
    Etude 2 [mp3 excerpt file (834K)]
    Etude 3 [mp3 excerpt file (1M)]
    Etude 4 [mp3 excerpt file (822K)]
    Etude 5 [mp3 excerpt file (929K)]

    Five intermediate/advanced studies for four mallet marimba. Tonal and chromatic works ideal for college players developing marimba technique. 3-5 minutes each.


  • "Tubageister" for tuba solo and prerecorded electronics [mp3 excerpt file (2.7Mb)]

    Coping Strategy II was adapted for tuba virtuoso Sam Pilafian for a Faculty Recital presented in the Spring of 2007. Accompaniment files for two versions are included: 1) mono accompaniment with click track. Using two splitter adapters or a stereo mixer, the audio accompaniment is channeled to both sides of a stereo playback system while the click track signal is sent to a headphone amplifier. 2) stereo accompaniment with click track. Three separate aiff files can be imported into a multi-track audio system. Audio tracks are sent to a playback system while the click track is sent to a headphone output.


ORDERING INFORMATION

USE ORDER LINKS TO ACCESS THE C ALAN PUBLICATIONS AND jbsmithmusic.com ON-LINE STORES.

ENSEMBLES

"...all things hastened back to Unity" for 13 percussionists. $65.00. ORDER

Concertante Diversion for Six Percussion and Wind Ensemble or Tape. $45 score, percussion parts and CD. ORDER; wind band version score and parts available for rent. ORDER

Conga Mix for conga trio or conga solo with CD. $35.00 for score, parts and CD. ORDER

Congastück for 2 conga players. $15.00. ORDER

Conga Tarang for conga trio. $25.00. ORDER

Coping Strategy I for violin, clarinet, tuba, piano and percussion. $14.95 for score and parts. ORDER

Devil Down for steel band. $14.95 for score and parts. ORDER

In Light of Three for clarinet, marimba/vibes and tape. $35.00 for score, parts and CD. ORDER

It's Destiny...Gasp! for voice and percussion ensemble. $35.00. ORDER

Meta Moto for wind ensemble. $29.95 for score and parts. ORDER

Mountain Images for 5 percussionists. $40.00 ORDER

Re: Joyce for Percussion Trio and Symphony Orchestra. $49.95 for score and parts. ORDER

Ringing Webs of Metal Threads for 2 vibraphones. $17.50 ORDER

Seconds Lost for marimba duo. $17.50 ORDER

Skin Tensor for percussion trio. $15.00 ORDER

Slap Shift for 6 conga drummers. $34.00 ORDER

Soca Phase for 2 conga players. $17.50 ORDER

Spin Family Portrait for saxophone quartet, 12 percussionists and electric bass. $19.95 for score and parts. ORDER

Trio Passacaglia for vibraphone, marimba and bass marimba. $20.00. ORDER Version 2 for flute, clarinet and tuba. $20.00. ORDER

SOLOS

Boundary Waters for solo marimba. $15.00. ORDER

Choice for solo marimba. $15.00. ORDER

Coping Strategy II for solo marimba and prerecorded electronics. $14.95 for part and audio files. ORDER

Dulcimer Dream for piano or marimba/vibes and tape. $35.00 for score, part and CD. ORDER

First Reflection for solo marimba. $15.00. ORDER

Five Concert Etudes for marimba. $25.00 . ORDER

Tubageister for solo tuba and prerecorded electronics. $14.95 for score and parts. ORDER
All prices subject to change.


For more information visit the C. Alan Publications Website