Watcha Baion? by Josh Gottry

Written for the Santan Junior High percussion class (Chandler, AZ), Whatcha Baion? is designed to be a flexible composition for early percussion programs or schools that desire to introduce students to percussion ensemble. It opens with a 2/3 clave, systematically layers additional percussion voices on top, and establishes an audience-friendly groove before jumping into a tuneful keyboard melody in the traditional baion style from Northeastern Brazil. Following a brief percussion break and an abbreviated layering of the groove, the tune returns and leads into an impactful ensemble ending. The piece can be performed with a range of players and uses instruments commonly found in a school band room.