Unity Heals by Zachary Morita

Unity Heals was composed for the Hawaii Youth Percussion Ensemble as a way to bring percussionists of diverse backgrounds together in a time when many were confined indoors. The virtual performance of 25 percussionists who ranged from middle schoolers all the way to senior citizens included two sets of mothers-sons, three sets of siblings, public school math teachers, a mix of middle, high, and college band directors, professional percussionists, two private piano teachers, and a nurse. Percussionists were encouraged to use whatever “instruments” they could find at home that resulted in a creative mix of drums, drum pads, textbooks, wooden kitchen utensils, stools, a salsa jar, a water glass, a pillow, and body percussion. The simple rhythms with layered parts make it an accessible piece to perform in both live and virtual settings.

The IGNITE Series for Flexible Percussion Ensemble
This unique series was designed specifically for young percussionists as they experience the magic of playing in a percussion ensemble. Each piece provides the director and students with great flexibility – from the number of players to the tempo to the instrumentation. Light a fire under your students today!