Skylights by Robert Clayson

Skylights by Robert Clayson is an uplifting and light marimba solo with percussion accompaniment. The piece aims to fill a gap in percussion repertoire by tailoring the skillset for intermediate performers. Clayson notes that there is a wide selection of marimba solos with percussion accompaniment for advanced performers but far fewer for intermediate performers.

Skylights was inspired by looking up at a clear sky on a pitch-black night and seeing all of the stars across the night sky. The three players accompanying the soloist are all playing metallic percussion instruments, signifying the twinkle and shimmer of the stars overhead. The soloist’s written material consists of undulating figures that give a sense of warmth and contentment. Skylights is a perfect first piece for a soloist to gain experience playing with an ensemble.

This piece requires a 5-octave marimba.

Skylights ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.