with suns spoken as kin (2025) percussion quartet · 5 minutes · advanced+
with suns spoken as kin was written for the New Music New Haven concert series at the Yale School of Music.
The piano must have a sostenuto pedal. This work was originally written using a Steinway Model ? piano. The internal frame on other grand pianos may make some techniques difficult or render them impossible. The techniques used for piano can cause long-term damage to the piano (such as slamming the wires with sticks). If you are a student looking to perform this, ensure that you have permission to use these techniques on the piano from the owner of the piano you are using, whether that is a school owned piano or somebody else's.
Percussion 1 (high side of piano)
- Crash/China/Splash Cymbal
- Ride Cymbal
- Trash Cymbal Stack (preferably as distorted and grungy as possible)
- Tamborim with brush strands taped to the head (to give it a snare-like sound), or a micro snare
- Chinese Opera Gong
- Metal Mixing Bowl
- Metal Fish Tin or other object that sounds like a metallic “pop” sound
- Kick Drum (placed underneath piano)
- Drum Set Sticks
- Brushes
Percussion 2 (high bench of piano)
- 1/2" Acrylic Rod
Percussion 3 (low bench of piano)
- 1/2" Acrylic Rod
Percussion 4 (low side of piano)
- Melodica
- Floor Tom (Low)
- Kick Drum (placed underneath piano, optional)
- Electric Toothbrush
- Drum Set Stick
- Tinfoil (on Piano Wires D1, B1, C2)
It feels odd that I've met so many percussionists and composers I used to admire when I was younger.
Moving into this career—it feels like I've leapt into outer space—and discovered a vibrant celestial cosmos full of life—and I'm exploring in awe of everything and everyone around me.
These people have, for the large part, been incredibly kind and welcoming towards my silly dreams. Some of these people have supported me a lot.
At times, it feels like I'm in the presence of stars considering myself one of their own. I've grown so much as a musician—as a person—from so many different wonderful people. It's surreal.
I hope I can be the same for others, some day.
To me, with suns spoken as kin sounds with the same ambition as that wish.
with suns spoken as kin is largely influenced by math rock and jazz fusion, as well as works in the modern percussion repertoire.