Triplicate (Grade 3 Concert Band) | Gavin Tomasco | Performed 5.14.24

Performed by West Morris Mendham High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Mick Gibbons
Triplicate is a composition exploring different feels of triple meter. Written as an attainable challenge for a developing band, this piece provides the pedagogical opportunity to introduce concepts such as hemiola and polymeter to students. Students will learn to hear and play 3/4 and 6/8 stress patterns juxtaposed with one another. More complicated rhythmic concepts are reserved for the percussion section, who will be exposed to 3:2 and 4:3 polyrhythms.
This piece also explores contrast of style, with a sensitive chorale introduction leading into a high-energy, rhythmically vital race to the conclusion. Melodic motifs are passed around the ensemble, forming a consistent ostinato pattern that serves at the backbone of the piece.