The 17th century in the Netherlands was a century of prosperity 

in the fields of trade, science and the arts.  

However, this society also had dark sides characterized by 

ignorance, superstition and oppression. 

An example of this is the last Witch Trial of the Netherlands
in 1674 in the village of Limbricht. 

The uniqueness of this case is that the documents from this trial 

have been preserved. This inspired writer Susan Smit to write her novel, 

The Witch of Limbricht. 

The book gained national attention and provides a unique insight
into society at the time and the oppressive position of women. 

It inspired the composer and percussion ensemble
'De Vriendenkring' Limbricht to create a compelling concerto
in four parts for percussion soloist and ensemble.

The music became an emotional soundtrack of the
so-called 'witch' Entgen - portrayed by the soloist - 

and the village community in which she lived and died.. 

part I: Entgen and Limbricht

part II: Oppression and Rebellion

part III: Accused and Imprisoned

part IV: Innocent Condemned

postludium: Lost but not Forgotten
Instrumentation 14 parts (including soloist):
soloist: vibraphone, kalimba, battery-setup, 5 mallet parts,
timpani, 3 battery setup parts, 3 aux. parts, bass drums.
Duration 11 minutes
Level: ensemble medium, soloist difficult
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The expression 'Joining Forces' means that different people 

and parties work together towards one common goal.

This refers directly to this 4-part composition, 

in which a fanfare orchestra and percussion ensemble form a whole, 

a fairly unique combination!

It portrays the unity of a music association in which everyone is
important part to keep the association healthy, musically ánd socially.
Therefore, the composition has a positive atmosphere.

In the first part the musicians meet each other and forces are gradually joined.

Turbulent and sad periods, which inevitably occur in a music association, 

are expressed in the 2nd and 3rd part.

In the final part, hands are joined again in a figurative ánd literal sense! 

The composition reaches a festive climax with the main theme in a broad setting.

Instrumentation: full fanfare orchestra & percussion ensemble (14 parts). 

The Marimba 2 and Percussion 2 parts are possible with one player each 

but two players per part is adviced.
Duration: 9'45"
Level: Medium Difficult
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'SAIHA' is a Karate element and consists of combinations of
rapid whip movements, hammering punches and
lightning blows with the back of the fist.
It is a wave of fast movements to ultimately eliminate the opponent.
Translated from Japanese, the word means great destructive wave.
It is an appropriate description of this spectacular and exciting
short work set in a typical Asian style and Asian sounds.
Duration c. 2:20
Instrumentation 10 parts: Vibes and/or Bells,
marimba, tub.chimes (ad.lib. combined with angklungs),
timpani, snare drum, bongos, bamboo logs (or sim.),
cymbals, bass drums (2)
Level: easy
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Impressed by his holiday the Bamaha island of Exuma,
the composer dedicated a composition to it.

Part I: Landing in a Tropical Storm

The arrival on Exuma was not exactly gentle: in the dark, a small propeller plane and a thunderstorm..
Part II: the Island Life. Once settled, you'll be captivated by the relaxed island rhythm and its friendly people. Part III: From the Beach into the Blue.
Exuma has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world:
White sands as far as the eye can see, surrounded by swaying palm trees and a
dazzling blue ocean with a colorful underwater world.

Part IV: Carribean Carnival. People on Exuma know how to throw a party!
The 'Junkanoo' and Regatta for example are colorful parties. 
The piece is suited for ensembles with mostly battery and aux. percussion,
with one mallet part for the beginning mallet player(s).
Duration 7:00
Instrumentation 11 parts: Tubular chimes, marimba, glockenspiel, timpani,
djembe, battery and aux percussion.
Level: easy
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This musical meditation is based on quotes from the old English hymn
Onwards Christian Soldiers, also called st. Gertrude.
It was written for percussion ensemble St. Gertrudis which explains
the choice of this particular hymn.
It is a fragile but enchanting meditative piece which will bring a calming
and peacefull moment in each concert or during a solemn occasion.
The atmospherical melodies & ostinating chords are accompanied
by ethereal percussive effects.
Instrumentation 11 parts: glock, vibes, 3 marimba parts
(part 1 and 3 can be combined on a single 5-octave marimba),
tubular bells, timpani, wine glass, sleigh bells, bell tree, 3 triangles,
gong, sizzle & susp. cymbal.
Duration 2:50
Level: easy/medium
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This massive dance hit from 2019 by pop-superstar The Weeknd is an instant classic.

The characteristic 'eighties' sound and the catchy melody will stay with you for a long time.

Together with it's relentless drive, this arrangement is a joy for percussion ensembles and audiences.
Duration 3:05
Instrumentation 12 parts: glock., vibes, tubular ch., xylophone, 2 marimbas, timpani, drumset,
bongos & congas, concert b.d., aux. percussion.
Level: easy/medium
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According to the esoteric teaching, the Aura is an energy field
that surrounds every living being.

There can be a disturbance in it due to health issues or it can be very bright. 

Which means that your physical and mental conditions are in balance. 

This transformation from a disturbed to a harmonious Aura is
the starting point of this composition in three parts.
Instrumentation 15 parts: 6 mallet parts, timpani,
drumset and battery parts, aux. percussion.
Duration 6:10
Level: easy
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The three muses Musicality, Friendship and Joy are depicted in this 6,5 minute concert piece.
These muses were the most important for the commissioning ensemble of 'St. Jozef'.
In fact, they are important for all music ensembles.
It has 12 parts in total: 4 mallet parts, timpani, 5 percussion parts and featuring soloist parts for soprano saxophone and flugelhorn.
Level: easy/medium
LISTEN HERE 
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This 3,5 minute overture illustrates the reboot and joy of playing music together again after the covid-lockdown. 

The optimistic composition is straightforward, energetic and suitable for many levels. 

The minimalistic intrada creates the possibility to start the piece with an empty stage. 

After the woodblock enters, more musicians can join the stage: a metaphor of rejoining again. 

Due to the variety in the percussion ensemble sector, i made three versions.
This version has 10 parts: 3 mallet parts, timpani, 6 percussion parts.

level: easy/medium
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In this concert piece, the timeline with the ups and downs of an
amateur music association is depicted in four parts.

Part I Born from tradition: Tradition is a part from which a music association often owes its existence.
In the Netherlands, these were often Christian traditions.

Part II, Prosperity: in this part the blossoming of a music association is depicted.

An energetic and positive part in which there is a clear musical build-up.

Part III, Turbulence: sometimes the atmosphere can abruptly turn into
turbulent times with mutual strife and loss of members.
To be heard by the tension and measure changes.

Part four, in Harmony: in the end, coorperation and friendship is the key to making music in harmony.
The positive motive from part two returns. 
Duration 8:40
Instrumentation 10 parts: 3 mallet parts, timpani, 6 percussion parts
Level: easy/medium
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This work is composed as an overture.
Of course also very suitable as an energetic closing piece.
The music refers to the legend of the Phoenix: a mythical bird that emerges from its ashes.
It is dedicated to people who are able to rise above themselves and stay positive,
no matter how difficult their situation.
Duration 3:10
Instrumentation 13 parts: 4 mallet parts, timpani, 8 battery and aux. percussion parts.
Level: easy/medium
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The spirit of ecstasy is portrayed in this composition. 

The ecstatic feeling when a musical tension reaches its peak is an important
element of this 3-part composition. 

Each contrasting part contains these build-ups.
An atmospheric concert piece for easy/medium level ensemble.
Duration: 7'
Instrumentation 13 parts:
3 mallet parts (vibes&xylo combination, glock.,marimba,chimes),
timpani, 3 battery percussion parts(with drumset), 4  parts aux.perc.,
2 bass drum parts.
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The small Dutch village of Dieteren - 'Deetere' in local dialect -
has three remarkable legends dating back to the middle ages.
They are described in this cinematic and sometimes spooky piece.
Part I the Diabolical Robbers.
These cursed riders robbed and kidnapped villagers during the night.
They took the villagers into the dungeons of a bewitched castle in the swamps of 'de Dort'.
Part II The headless Lady (Danse Macabre). a Ghostly Lady resides
in the woods of Dieteren. She was beheaded in 1498 and haunts the villagers since.
Part III the Gnomes. In the Koppelberg Hill in Dieteren live the 'Auvelmenkes'.
Little gnomes who helped villagers with their household charts at night.
But beware! If you were greedy to them, they became mischievous.
Duration: 6'
instrumentation 14 parts: 4 mallet parts, timpani, 3 battery perc. parts,
4 aux. parts, 2 bass drum parts
Level: easy/medium
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The purpose of this composition assignment by Caecilia Spaubeek was to

create a piece in multiple parts with a continuous structure that gradually becomes more intense in atmosphere and tempo. 

It starts intimate where the main melodic theme is presented,
gathering momentum and groove (a cool part for the drummer!)
in the following parts and in the end, reaches the Apex.

Other requested elements were: light and popular musical styles and a feature for untuned percussion instruments with visuals.

Especially the glockenspiel, xylo and vibraphone players will have to do an extra effort 

while moving over to three snare drums to give a rhythmic and visual showcase!

All these elements are combined in this accessible and groove-oriented work which will please large audiences and gives the musicians lots of percussion-fun!
Instrumentation 13 parts in total.
6 mallet parts: glock., vibes, xylophone, two marimbas, 
tubular bells with a section on marimba (can be shared on marimba one),
optional bass guitar, timpani(4), drumset, two battery percussion parts, 
two aux. percussion parts, concert bass drum.
Duration: c. 7'
Level: Medium
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This 3,5 minute overture illustrates the reboot and joy of playing music together again after the covid-lockdown. 

The optimistic composition is straightforward, energetic and suitable for many levels. 

The minimalistic intrada creates the possibility to start the piece with an empty stage. 

After the woodblock enters, more musicians can join the stage: a metaphor of rejoining again. 

Due to the variety in the percussion ensemble sector, i made three versions.
This 2nd version has 13 parts: 5 mallet parts, timpani, 7 percussion parts.

level: medium
LISTEN HERE
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The epic Arthurian movie First Knight starring Sean Connery (King Arthur)
and Richard Gere (Lancelot) is one of my favorite movie scores.
The soaring music of Jerry Goldsmith captures the epic and also the romantic
scenes in a fantastic way.
Promise Me is in fact a medley with all of the major themes from the movie.
It starts bravely with the beautiful main theme and evolves into the love theme
with a dramatic highlight.
In the last section the main theme returns and culminates to a heroic ending.
Duration 4:30
Instrumentation 13 parts: glock.,vibes, marimbas
(it is possible to share these parts on two marimbas; one A and one low C),
tubular chimes, timpani, snare & field drum, tom toms,
bass drum, aux. percussion.
Level: medium
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This beautiful and enchanting Scottish folk tune dates back to the 18th century.

The lyrics give praise to Love in the most poetic and gentle way:

'My love is like a red red rose

That's newly sprung in june;

O my Love's like the melody

That's sweetly play'd in tune'.

The lyrics for soprano and tenor accompanied by flute and percussion ensemble
capture the essence of the song.

Duration 4:30

Instrumentation 11 parts;

soprano & tenor voice, flute, vibraphone, five marimba parts (can be shared),
tubular & crotales ( 2 pl.), timpani, susp. cymb. & gong (2 pl.)

Level: medium
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This delicate arrangement comes from Tsjaikovski's ballet the Nutcracker.
It is a mysterious and relaxing Arabian dance which takes the listener to 
an enchanting 'Fata Morgana' scene.
Duration ca. 4:00
Instrumentation 12 parts: glock., vibes, 3 mar's, timpani,
darbuka (ad.lib. small djembe), bass drum, aux. percussion.
Level: Medium
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The title is a combination of Paso Doble, Tango and Samba.
These three latin-american dances are the main ingredient of this concert piece
aimed at battery and aux. percussion.
All three parts are presented in the energetic exhibition.
Then, the three dances will take you to Latin America!
The last part, Samba, is possible to play with original sambaband instruments.
Duration 7'
Instrumentation 10 parts: Timpani, battery and aux. percussion,
sambaband percussion (optional)
Level: medium
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The task given to the composer was to depict the spirit of the ensemble who commissioned this composition. Their name is 'Aurora', which means Sunrise. 

The composer took the painting Soleil Levant -rising sun- by the French painter
Claude Monet from 1873 as an inspiration.

The work gives an impression of a sunrise on a foggy day and is the starting point of 

a build-up from the nebulous beginning to the exciting end where the sun has
given color and energy to its surrounding and people.
The music is a blend of impressionistic influences 

with popular music styles from nowadays. In the last part there's a
surprising feature for four players on one marimba.
Duration 5:45 
Instrumentation 14 parts: 5 mallet parts, bass guitar (or bass marimba), piano, timpani,
drumset, 5 parts battery and aux. percussion.
Level: medium
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'Duende' is the magic element that belongs to the Spanish Flamenco.
It is the moment when the dancers and musicians immerse with the music.

This work illustrate Flamenco dancers  who start slowly with an intrada and
acceleration, known as 'Ecobilla'. 
Then the fiery dance is started and the Duende takes over.
The rondo form depicts the man (the 6/4 part) and woman (the 3/4 part) 
of a flamenco dancing couple. 
The dance is written for battery and auxiliary percussion with a feature
for two castanets players and cajon.
Duration 3:30
Instrumentation 13 parts: snare drums, bongos, toms, cajon,
castanets (2x), timpani, aux. percussion, bass drums (2)
Level: medium
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This concert piece is based on the folk music from the Slavic countries.
Part one - Marziale - is based on the proud character and patriotism of their people.
Part two depicts a fiery Cossack squat dance.
Part three is a czardas with the characteristic melancholic beginning which
develops into a raging ending.
The piece is aimed at ensembles with a few mallet players
and a large battery and aux. line-up.
Instrumentation 13 parts:
2 mallet parts (glock.,vibes,xylo, ad.lib. marimba, chimes)
timpani, 4 parts battery perc., 4 parts aux. perc., 2 bass drum parts.
Duration: 8.30
Level: medium
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'Hatirla' is the Turkish word for 'memories'; Memories from Antalya.
The composition brings us to this Turkish city at the Meditarranian sea.
The city is a blend of modern tourism and ancient cultures
from the Ottoman and Roman empires.
It has three parts: Hadrian's Gate, Night at Lara Beach and Belly Dance.
The piece has a feature for two Darbuka's.
Instrumentation 14 parts: 3 mallet parts, timpani, 2 darbuka parts (or high djembes),
drumset, battery and aux. percussion.
Duration 7:20
Level: medium
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This concert piece depicts hard moments during our life time but also conquering
these moments and bright times that lie before us afterwards.
They define us who we are. The first part is a dark and sad reflection.
The main theme of the piece has its exhibition here.
The second part depicts the frustration and anger created by these sad memories by
using changing measures and pumping rhythms.
Part three is written as a loving remembrance.
Part four describes resilience and new found joy in live.

Instrumentation 14 parts: 5 mallet parts (with tamborim or high rototom feature),
timpani, 3 battery parts, drumset, aux. perc., bass drum.
Duration 8:20
Level: medium
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In this concert piece, the function of music through the millennia
in human society is depicted.
In four parts, four main applications are described:
Part I Pegan Ritual, Part II Religion,
Part III modernism & art, Part IV pop culture.
Duration: 9'
Instrumentation 13 parts: 5 mallet parts (with tom tom feature),
timpani, 3 parts battery percussion and drumset, 
3 parts aux. percussion, bass drums.
Level: medium difficult
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In our society, we are consistently confronted and distracted by tensions that others and ourselves impose upon us: work vs. private life, status, social media, time constraints, etc.

We regularly neglect what is really important in life: balance and harmony. 
In other words: Equilibrium.

This composition, composed for the Dutch Open Percussion Championships (ONSK), conveys the search for this balance. In the 1st part, the thin line between rest and stress - the two main themes of the composition - is heard clearly.
In the 2nd part the search for harmony begins but we fall back into old behavior.

Part 3 depicts the desire for peace and harmony but do we ever find what we are looking for?

The 4th part is a representation of how ambition and drive can also give positive energy.

The composition concludes by an epilogue in which we put the turbulence behind us
and the equilibrium returns. 
The piece was commissioned to be a combination of medium level mallet parts and
difficult parts for battery percussion.
Duration 11:30
Instrumentation 13 parts: 4 mallet parts, timpani, drumset, 7 percussion parts
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This short but powerful cadance contains both rhythmic and visual spectacle.
The mallet section provides extra thrust and color to the drumline.
Suitable for outdoor and indoor performances.
The title refers to percussion ensemble KOH - the Blue- from Eijsden
who commissioned this piece.
A version without mallets is also available on this website.
Duration c. 2:00
Instrumentation 10 parts: 3 (high tension) snares, 3 marching bass drums,
marchings cymbs, 3 marimbas.
Level: Difficult
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