Flotsam & Jetsam by John Herndon’

John Herndon’s flexible ensemble piece Flotsam & Jetsam was inspired by maritime jargon, referring to items lost or discarded from onboard a ship. As such, it is recommended that the piece be performed on found instruments like brake drums, buckets, pails, trash cans, or anything that can be struck with stick.

Alternately, Flotsam & Jetsam can be performed on more traditional percussion instruments like snare drums, toms, woodblocks, or cowbells, so long as the instruments are graduated among the performers. To add to the accessibility, the piece may also be expanded to fit the size of any performing ensemble. This piece is a great vehicle for training basic rhythms and technique in a colorful and entertaining way.