Looking for the more accessible grade 3 percussion ensembles for 3-5 players. They are young, but they can hold their own on mallets or rhythm if it is not crazy, so instrumentation is flexible. No multiple marimba (etc) options - we don't have that kind of inventory - think one of each of everything. Thanks.
While not a 3, "Ancient Voices, Distant Storms" is a very accessible level 2. I did it many years ago with my lower level hs kids and they enjoyed it and did well with it. It is for 5 players and should fit the bill for what you're looking for.
Check out anything Grade 3 on the list from Tapspace. The Slawson marimba trios fit all three parts on a 4.3 instrument and are FUN. Several other offerings from this publisher are fun options.
I will check. I have used Tapspace a lot. Their larger stuff and solos have served me well in the past. Have you performed Tickling Tacos? That is the only 1 mari piece on the list from Slawson. Have you done Pop Drop?
I appreciate all the wood-shedding through the PML, but I have done that for 20 years, and being listed on the PML does not equal "accessible for young players" by any means. There is tremendous disparity of playability in every section of the PML. How many of these have you actually played with a young small group with success? There are a many on this list I wouldn't ever play with my larger more advanced groups. This is a small school. We don't have a percussion teacher; we don't have 4 marimbas rolling around (One of everything), and we don't have private instruction. This has to be an accessible piece that will lend itself to young players who will work hard but have limited guidance.
Many percussion publishers have a series of ensembles designed specifically for introductory/grade 3 level. Row-Loff has their "Blast Off" series, C. Alan has their "Ignite" series, and I'm sure there are others. You might start looking there. Also, if you go to the UIL PML website, you can download the entire percussion ensemble PML to a spreadsheet and then sort by grade and # of players to help you with your search. Hope this helps!
The PML does not give you any sense of accessibility. I've had 20+ years of conversations about the disparity of playability within grade levels. That is the reason I have asked this question. Blast Off series ensembles are accessible but not on the PML.
Although both of those are great (I have used both before), they both require 6 players. I have 3-5 and that includes borrowing a solid wind player who dabbles in percussion during applied music.
The Rhythmsicles by Rowloff is a good set to have in your library. You will need 6 players for each ensemble I believe. Also, "South of the Border" by Freytag is a great Class 3 Ensemble!