Thunder

Performance Notes

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

 The first 8 measures feature a steady 1/8^th note pulse with heavily accented notes and cymbal crashes—thunder and lightning.  The presence of the bass drum is particularly important here.  Letter A simply increases the frequency of thunder.  The entrance of the vibraslap at letter B signifies the often scary and spooky nature of this phenomenon.  It performs the call of a call-and-response type interaction occurring between it and the drums.  Letter C is a rhythmically linear section that represents a respite and, therefore, should be performed very softly.  There are intermittent rumbles of thunder heard from the mf toms and bass drum figures.  Similar to the beginning, letter D returns to thunder and lightning.  The crash cymbals and vibraslap should be strong.  Bass drum accents, once again, should be pronounced and remain as such to the end.

 TIP:  The vibraslap may be played f when it first enters at letter B.