Espresso
for small percussion ensemble
Sometimes big things come in small packages, and this is definitely true of Espresso by Kyle H. Peters! Requiring only 3 toms, a bass drum, and a cymbal, its small footprint will make for a quick setup that packs a rhythmic, drummy punch.
The energy of this piece comes from blend of a fast temop, hocketed rhythms, drum-to-rim textures, and extreme dynamic contrast. Espresso will serve as both a great performance work (especially as a concert opener, or interlude during state resetting) as well as an effective piece in which to train musical concepts with unpitched instrumentation.
Espresso ships as a printed, professionally bound score, and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.
- 3 toms (high-low)
- Concert bass drum
- Suspended cymbal*
*can be performed by bass drum performer or by a separate player
Reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.




Marco Schirripa –
“Espresso” is a short and energetic work for non-pitched percussion. Lasting just under 2½ minutes, its small setup and straightforward musical ideas make it a great choice for young high school ensembles. The composer also notes that the Player 4 part, which uses bass drum and suspended cymbal, can be split in two, allowing a fifth player to participate. All other players play only on their single assigned tom.
The musical material consists almost entirely of quarter-, eighth-, and sixteenth-note rhythms in 4/4, flanking a 6/8 middle section that keeps the quarter note consistent but presents a triplet feel. The piece is full of “hocketed” rhythms and dynamic changes, but the individual parts remain simple, allowing the music to sound a bit more complex than it is. Kyle Peters keeps listeners on their toes by getting the most out of the small instrumentation.