J7 (2025)

Publisher: Chad Floyd Publications

Level: Med-Advanced

Duration: 6:00

Mallets: 4

Octaves: 5

Price: $20

*digital format only

*music will be emailed within 24 hrs of pmt.

J7 was commissioned by Dr. James Vilseck in 2025 and was premiered by Dr. Vilseck the following year. The piece is structured around a recurring rhythmic motive: short-short-long-short-short-long, often occurring against a steady “quarter note” duration in the other voice to help frame the syncopation. The other main structural element is the melodic motive, which is presented at the beginning and presented throughout the piece in different variations and forms.

Like many of my marimba pieces the performer must embody the subtle grooves of the phrasing. And, at times, the performer must play like a drum set player with effortless coordination and fluidity. In fact, at some points the marimbaist will feel like the lines have been crossed between marimba and drum set. And, as percussionists know, this is what can make percussion performance both challenging and rewarding.