Fuerza Negra
for percussion ensemble
Fuerza Negra by Francisco Perez is a medium-difficulty percussion ensemble tune. The piece is characterized by an unstoppable groove, which draws from the rhythms and harmonies of Latin, pop, and rock music. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Regarding the Spanish title, Perez explains a double meaning. Firstly, it’s a nod to the commissioning ensemble’s school mascot, the Northwestern State University Demons. Additionally, through the translation “Black strength and energy,” it’s a humble tribute and show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Fuerza Negra ships as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
- Glockenspiel
- Vibraphone (optional: 2 vibraphones)
- Xylophone
- 2 marimbas—(1) low A, (1) 5-octave (optional: (2) low A)
- 4 timpani
- Drums — snare drum, impact drum, concert bass drum, 2 concert toms
- Cymbals — 2 suspended cymbals, ride cymbal
- Shaker
Reviews
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Joe Millea –
This medium-difficulty percussion ensemble work can be “characterized by an unstoppable groove, which draws from the rhythms and harmonies of Latin, pop, and rock music.” The title, as explained by the composer, “has a double meaning. Firstly, it’s a nod to the commissioning ensemble’s school mascot, the Northwestern State University Demons. Additionally, through the translation ‘black strength and energy,’ it’s a humble tribute and show of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.”
“Fuerza Negra” has all of the pieces needed for an ensemble that wants to make the move from beginning to intermediate repertoire. There is a lot of repeated material allowing for some space for players new to more substantial percussion ensemble pieces like this one to get comfortable right away. It is always a great way to incorporate syncopation and groove studies. I like how Francisco Perez has orchestrated this piece to include several ability levels, all within the overall medium level. Directors with a wide array of players would benefit from having this in their library.
I highly recommend “Fuerza Negra.” It is a jam through and through, and is perfect for the budding intermediate ensemble. However, it would be fun to play at any ability level.