Hands-On

Performance Notes

 HANDS-ON is a medium-fast piece.  This piece is best suited for elementary- to middle school level ensembles.  Rhythmically, HANDS-ON consists of ¼, ½ and whole rests, ¼, whole and 1/8^th notes in groups of 2 and 4.

 This piece gets its title due to the fact that all instruments are played by ‘hand’—no sticks or mallets needed.  At the start, the maracas provide a solid steady beat with a few pauses before letter A.  At letter A, the bongos are prominent, accompanied by a busier conga part with a steady pulse from the tambourine and shaker.  At letter B each part becomes sparse, creating an interdependence amongst the ensemble.  Played together however, they form a steady, consistent rhythm.  At the outro (letter C), the bongos once again are prominent with steady-beat accompaniment from the tambourine and shaker.  A few measures of ensemble unison ends the piece.

Listen to Hands-On