Duet Trio by Josh Gottry

The title of Duet Trio is a simple description of the format of this medium-easy percussion ensemble.  Each performer in this trio is responsible for two instruments: one drum plus a mounted accessory instrument – either tambourine, woodblock, or triangle.  The drums used include two snare drums (one without snares) and a tenor drum (or tom-tom).  The trio opens in common time with a unison statement followed by dialogue between the players.  The middle section rapidly alternates between unison figures and rhythmic interplay.  The ensemble concludes with a repeated four bar phrase gradually building into a repeat of the opening unison statement.  The tempo is quarter note = 120 and stays steady throughout.  The piece does incorporate a variety of dynamic changes, textures, and time signatures (all based on the quarter note), but requires few other technical challenges.