What Lies Within

Inspired by the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us," this lush, reflective work for keyboard percussion ensemble takes listeners on an emotional journey, both inward and outward.

Program Notes

The title What Lies Within is derived from a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

This seemed the perfect sentiment and advice for a group of seniors soon to be graduating from high school & moving on to bigger and better things. This piece was commissioned by the Prior Lake High School Percussion Ensemble, Justin Schramm, Director (Savage, Minnesota).

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2021
Number of Players: 8-10
Duration: 5:20
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Percussion

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Instrumentation

Bells
Vibraphone 1 (+ Crotales)
Vibraphone 2
Chimes

Marimba 1 (4-octave, shared with Marimba 3)
Marimba 2 (4-octave, shared with Marimba 4)
Marimba 3 (5-octave, shared with Marimba 1)
Marimba 4 (5-octave, shared with Marimba 2)

Percussion 1 [optional]: Suspended Cymbal, Concert Bass Drum, Tam-Tam
Percussion 2 [optional]: 2 Triangles, Rainstick