Gotta Git Gittin’ by David K. Bakken

David K. Bakken’s Gotta Git Gittin’ is a swinging good time for eight percussionists who have something to say, aren’t afraid to say it, and are ready to spread some musical joy!

Written for intermediate percussionists with an even balance of pitched to non-pitched instruments, the piece requires active engagement from each player from start to finish. It is notated in cut time with a swing feel, making this a great teaching tool for introducing students to handling swung eighth notes.

The timpani player opens the piece with a groove-based ostinato and holds sway throughout (no shy timpanists allowed). The vibraphone part contains occasional three-mallet passages, while the marimba part requires four mallets, but both parts are quite accessible and require minimal interval shifts.

There is a

“drummy” four-bar vamp towards the end of the piece for the unpitched instruments to shine. The composer has supplied a part but suggests using a custom-tailored part if the students are up to the challenge.