VARIATIONS ON AYE

Performance Notes

 VARIATIONS ON AYE is a colorful, comical, cut-time piece that has some theatrical and vocal components.  This piece is best suited for elementary- to middle school level ensembles.  Rhythmically, VARIATIONS ON AYE is limited to ¼ notes, with ¼, ½ and whole rests.

 While everyone enters right from the beginning, it is the maracas and the agogo bells that serve as the “steady beat reference.”  “Aye” is word we use, often repetitiously, when we feel a bit frustrated or confused.  Therefore the “freeze position” parts that occur 4 measures before letters B and D should reflect a state of confusion.  Also, they should stand completely frozen for as long as possible before they resume.  Letter D marks the beginning of a faster tempo and the solo ‘trade-offs’ between the sand blocks and hand blocks.  One measure before letter F, the hand bell player rings the instrument non-stop, while making silly, non-purposeful movements.  Letter F is f unison and remains as such until the piece’s ending.  There is no “steady beat reference” so full concentration is a must!

 TIPS:  For the hand drum part, you may have any number of players from 1 – 3.  For the hand bell part before letter F, you may signal the hand bell player to stop moving around or he/she can have a time limit, i.e., a 10-second count.