Snowpocalypse
for percussion ensemble and optional audio
Snowpocalypse by John Willmarth is a work scored for nine to eleven beginning-to-intermediate percussionists that depicts the coming of a massive blizzard. Optional audio accompaniment is included as well for added atmosphere and effect.
With harmonic hints of Vivaldi’s Winter and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the piece tells the story of a fast-moving winter storm using common pitched and non-pitched percussion. Mallet parts are written simply and effectively for less experienced performers (or players transitioning from non-pitched percussion), and no four-mallet technique is required.
Snowpocalypse ships as a fully bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.
- Glockenspiel
- Vibraphone
- Chimes
- Xylophone
- Marimba — 4-octave
- 3 Timpani
- Drums — concert bass drum*, low tom, snare drum
- Cymbals & gongs — China cymbal, ride cymbal, 2 suspended cymbals, tam-tam*, wind gong*
- Accessories* — mark tree*, slapstick, sleigh bells, tambourine, triangle
*optional
Reviews
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Ben Cantrell –
What a cool piece for percussion ensemble! This exciting work is perfect for your upcoming concert featuring younger players who are looking for a JAM.
“Snowpocalypse” is written for 9 to 11 players with an optional audio accompaniment. The audio will add sound effects to enhance the experience for the audience but the piece will also work great without the audio. The composer operates with an expert level in creating various textures and great grooves with parts that are still very accessible. The instrumentation contains a lot of the usual suspects, so it works well for most programs with a basic set of percussion. Multiple parts are written to have an extra item: snare plus ride cymbal, glockenspiel plus China cymbal, etc. It provides a challenge for newer players but one that is absolutely achievable. There are plenty of opportunities for all parts to shine.
The composer is kind enough to add in several features that help younger players. All of the keyboard parts are two-mallet. It comes with an exercise in F minor that everyone can participate in. The vibraphone part has articulation and labelling to show students when to use pedaling. Intelligently scored for both student and teacher, do yourself a favor and add this to your collection as soon as possible.
—Ben Cantrell
Percussive Notes
Vol. 63, No. 3, June 2025