Timberjax requires bells, two vibraphones, and three marimbas (one 5-octave). The percussion part simulates a drum set part and requires a hi-hat, ride cymbal, and kick drum (positioned upright).

Timberjax was written for and premiered by the Stephen F. Austin State University Percussion Ensemble, Dr. Brad Meyer, director, in the spring of 2023. The inspiration for the piece stems from the SFASU nickname, the Lumberjacks. As the title states, the “Timberjax” can be heard in the opening, as they aggressively work on clearing the wood (the marimba bars). As other voices enter it’s apparent that other workers have arrived and are contributing to the task.

As with several of my other works, a strong sense of groove is evident throughout the piece. It is essential that this groove be intrinsically felt by each performer and conveyed throughout the ensemble and to the audience.

A unique feature of this work is the “percussion” part (the only non-keyboard part) which simulates a drum set and requires a hi-hat, ride cymbal, and kick drum (positioned upright). The primary motivic material is performed at the beginning with 16th-note figures in the marimba voices. This motivic material is presented throughout the piece in various forms.