Rock Steady

A rest is a “note that has no sound” and it is one of the most challenging concepts for students to observe, without pushing the tempo or losing the sense of pulse. This piece requires the beat to stay Rock Steady. It features straightforward notes and rhythms, with rests in each part. However, every time there is a rest, other parts fill that rest. This helps the resting players to feel the continuous pulse, while being able to “count on” the other sections to assist them in feeling the spaces in the music. Left hand pizzicato and contrasting articulations are also explored.