Etude being and becoming X

Etude: Being and Becoming(2010)for xylophoneLou BunkPerformance Notes for “Etude: Being and Becoming” This is an advanced xylophone etude exploring various methods of improvisation with practice in multiple beater changes, and tremolo in various contexts. You will learn to hear, and perform better, subtle changes in pitch, rhythm and timbre. As the piece can be long, and the pacing of events unhurried, restraint and endurance are practiced and necessary. This helps make possible the appropriate mindset for extensive contemplation of how subtle change can both lead to and be structural transformation. General Guidelines 1. There is no defined meter. The tempo is often free and in flux. 2. Take the most content liberty in the transitions between sections. 3. Improvise using subtle changes (micro-variations) in timbre rhythm, and pitch. 4. The overall pacing of the composition should be slow and gradual. Though occasionally, the pacing may temporarily increase to provide contrast, or to hurry a deeper change. 5. Alternate (back and forth) musical ideas, but do not be too obvious. 6. Create patterns that are not perfect. Then let them fall apart. 7. Do not make a score ahead of time to bring into performance. The score is the next page titled “Performance Score”. Make most of your musical decisions in the performance, but rehearse multiple versions ahead of time. Form: The piece should last between 12-20 minutes. The form is described in four ...