Tab A/Slot B

for Drum Set

Composed: 2000
Duration: 4'30"

Program Notes

Tab A/Slot B gets its title from the common instructions for assembling paper products—”insert tab A into slot B.” The idea of inserting things carried the piece from its genesis as a random collection of two- and three-beat attacks through to the final touches. The form of the piece is developmental, using the idea of insertion—or interpolation—to generate the metric structure of each of eight sections. When each of the measures in the first section has been expanded by the insertion of extra music, the piece is over, barring a final measure to contain the last note. This piece also draws in large part upon my own experience in playing drum set with a number of garage rock bands and cover bands. My philosophy in drumming was always to hit stuff as often and as loudly as possible, within the musical context. Given the opportunity to create the context singlehandedly, it is no surprise that the soloist for this piece gets to hit everything extremely often and extremely loudly.

Score and Recording

Click the PDF icon below for a viewable score in PDF format. For a printable score and other performance materials, including the necessary software, please contact me.