Work

Programme Note

Riffs ’n Ructions is a fun piece for brass band. As the title implies repeated rhythmic patterns(riffs) are subjected to interruptions(ructions). In the fast sections the percussion section provides the ructions. In the first slow, lyrical section a quintet of instruments is interrupted by loud chords from the larger band.

The piece is rhythmically charged with quasi- ragtime patterns contrasted by dramatic textures. In the latter, repeated regular rhythmic patterns are disturbed by irregular ones.

Riffs ’n Ructions opens out on two occasions for improvisations by the solo cornet and solo euphonium. Both players are asked to improvise on previous rhythmic ideas.

This work was created with support of the Centre for New Zealand Music (SOUNZ) Community Commission.

It was first performed by 100 brass and percussion players from the Nelson Brass Academy conducted by Nick Sharpe at the Nelson School of Music on 10 April 2011.

Commissioned:

Commissioned by the Nelson Brass Academy through SOUNZ Community Commission for the fifth birthday of the Academy

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Performance History

	10 Apr 2011	Performed by the students of the Nelson Brass Academy at Nelson School of Music Auditorium, in Nelson
	08 May 2011	Performed by the Pelorus Trust Brass Band with conductor David Bremner at St Andrew’s on The Terrace, in Wellington
	24 Oct 2011	Performed by the students of the Nelson Brass Academy at Nelson Theatre Royal, in Nelson

Awards

• SOUNZ Community Commission (2010)
  

  The 2010 SOUNZ Community Commission was awarded to John Rimmer and the Nelson Brass Academy for their celebrations around the Academy’s 5th year of existence.