I love music that plays with meter. Whether it’s consistently shifting or just a quick pop to get the audience’s attention, I am drawn in by the challenge of dedicating extra brainpower to staying together as an ensemble. Beginning bands are generally limited to music in 4/4, but kids can count to five just as easily as they can count to four!

This piece gives beginning band students an opportunity to experiment with meter changes with the “safety net” of simple notes and rhythms. In the middle, the band is introduced to one of the most influential pieces of music ever – Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” – and take a break from the meter shifts to practice placing accents on and off the beat. Then the band warps back at their own speed percussionists add time shifting sound effects.

It’s a time-shifting challenge for the entire ensemble!