I will be competing in the PASIC individuals contest on marimba in the collegiate division. I have no idea what I should play, and I have to decide SOON! My performance has to be between 3 and 5 minutes. I was going to play Rhythm Song, but I really wouldnt feel right having to chop a piece that great down to five minutes... Please give me any suggestions you might have, I am going to be a freshman this year in college, and have no idea how difficult my piece should be to be competitive. All suggestions as to a piece that can be performed expressively with several contrasting sections that can be played in under five minutes will be greatly appreciated.

Jordan Stern

Jordan -

I'm not that familiar with the PAS contests, so I'll leave that aspect of your question to others on this board. What I can do is suggest a few pieces which seem to lend themselves to your situation (and also are playable on a 4.3 octave marimba; I'm *guessing* you won't have access to an extended-range marimba this summer, but that's just a guess...):

Listed in no particular order:

1) Bach - perhaps a couple of movements from Partita No. 3 in E Major? The Prelude might take up too much time, but check that out, in addition to the *Gavotte en Rondeau* and *Bouree* movements.
2) Miyoshi *Conversation* - One of my favorite pieces in the Japanese repertoire. Five movements, some two-mallet, and some four-mallet, with enough contrast in styles for your needs.
3) The Fissinger *Suite For Marimba* is challenging for most college freshmen, but a staple of the repertoire.
4) Perhaps some of the etudes of Stout or Smadbeck?
5) Not as commonly played, but there is also *Toccata for Marimba* by Emma Lou Diemer. Two mallet and four-mallet (chorale) sections in contrasting styles.

Best of luck,

Jim