Guac is Extra
General Info
Year of Published: 2017
Publisher: Tapspace
Difficulty: Elementary
Duration: 00:03:10
Cost: $32.00
Instrumentation
Player 1: Bongos & Cowbell
Player 2: Congas & Guiro
Player 3: Timbales & Suspended Cymbal
Player 4: Tom Toms & Wood Block
Description
In Guac is Extra, John Herndon has done a fantastic job of providing an engaging piece for young percussionists to dialog with traditional Latin percussion instruments without their needing traditional hand drumming skills. Played entirely with sticks, the piece contains elements of groove, syncopation, and timbral contrast. The performers also have the opportunity to play solos, which helps develop their ensemble awareness and sensitivity.
Review
“Guac is Extra” serves as a fun way to introduce students to the instruments and style of salsa music. John Herndon does a fantastic job of making the style accessible to younger players, as each uses two drums and an accessory instrument. The performance notes indicate the drums to be played with swizzle sticks; however, more advanced players are encouraged to use their hands for the congas and bongos. The piece begins with a brief introduction and then layers the different instrument entrances as the groove is built. Once all the players have entered, the bongo, conga, and timbale players take solos. Although solos are written out for each player, there is room for players to embellish the solos or even create their own. Although not indicated in the score, it would not be difficult to extend the solos for the players, if needed. The middle section is made up of straight eighth notes with the players accenting certain notes to create a fun melody around the ensemble. The piece ends with a return to the original groove and a brief coda. This piece will help students to not only learn the style, but also work on ensemble sensitivity, listening, and groove. The piece will make an excellent addition to the repertoire for younger groups. With all the guac and salsa they will be playing, the only thing missing would be a side of chips! <ref>Josh Armstrong, Percussive Notes Volume 53, No. 1, March 2015</embedvideo>
Recent Performance
Works for Percussion by this Composer
Solo Percussion
Great and Small - Mallet Percussion, optional audio accompaniment.
Percussion Ensemble
Again (Herndon) - Percussion Ensemble 12 players
Begin Transmission - Percussion Ensemble 13 players
Guac is Extra - Percussion Quartet
Jalopy - Percussion Octet
Mutiny! - Percussion Ensemble 12 players
Rivers Sun - Percussion Ensemble 12 players
Sic Semper Draconis - Percussion Ensemble 12 players
Standard Candles - Percussion Sextet
Flexible Percussion
Close Your Eyes and Dream - 6 to 8+ players
Flotsam & Jetsam - 4+ players
Reach - 2 to 11+ Players
Toboggan - 10+ Players