Fidgeter’s Waltz by Kit Mills

Many people have a hard time keeping still. Some of them become percussionists (as band teachers everywhere can attest). Fidgeter’s Waltz puts that fidgeting to good use and, since it requires no instruments or implements but just somewhere to sit, can be played just about anywhere. Depending upon the player’s or players’ skill level, this little piece can be played as a leisurely waltz or a hands-blurring, sweat-flinging speed-fest.

Program Notes
Many people have a hard time keeping still. Some of them become percussionists (as band teachers everywhere can attest). Fidgeter’s Waltz puts that fidgeting to good use and, since it requires no instruments or implements but just somewhere to sit, can be played just about anywhere. Depending upon the player’s or players’ skill level, this little piece can be played as a leisurely waltz or a hands-blurring, sweat-flinging speed-fest.

Performance Notes
Fidgeter’s Waltz may be played as a solo or ensemble piece and, depending upon the tempo chosen, can be within reach of novice percussionists or tax the abilities of the most advanced players. Initially, even at a slow speed it may present a challenge to most percussionists, requiring as it does a measure of comfort playing with any of the four limbs. The intelligent percussionist(s) will practice “mini-sections” of 1-2 bars at a time slowly enough to feel effortless, gradually adding and grouping such sections until the piece is learned.

Younger or less experienced percussion soloists or ensembles will want to perform this piece as a comfortable, unhurried waltz. Intermediate performers may wish to push their limits and see how fast they can play it while remaining accurate. Advanced performers may want to showcase their speed, interpret the piece on the drum set, and add dynamics to enhance the drama. Fidgeter’s Waltz can accommodate all these possibilities. Band teachers or Percussion Ensemble directors whose percussionists vary widely in technical skill may find it effective to feature in sequence a beginner group performing at a modest tempo, followed by an advanced group or soloist performing at eye-popping speed.

While the performance materials include a chair on which to sit and a floor on which to tap or stomp the feet, all other details of performance setup or physical placement of the players are left to the performers themselves to decide. It is certainly possible to alter the piece to include antiphonal (echo) playing between players, to repeat favorite sections, or to scheme creative player positioning to enhance the visual effect of the piece. For those performing Fidgeter’s Waltz at a blindingly fast speed, optional measure 77 suggests taking an audible breath or exhalation of relief for comic effect, before launching into the final stretch.

Be creative and, in any event, have fun playing the piece!