"Collapse" for Solo Marimba

[@aidancasimir5621]

Starting at 1:57 and ending at 2:05, why is the video different from the sheet music on Alan C Publications?

[@alexhowley3018]

I reworked portions of the piece for a competition I did - it had to be under 5:00 minutes so I removed the roll section and wrote in a transition!

[@aidancasimir5621]

Alex Howley Ohh I see, yeah I was listening to the video while reading along with the music and I was so confused!

[@kyleray_music]

DAMN IT MAN. All of the best solos are for 5 Octave.

[@randoboy7293]

I swear

[@uh869]

That’s the problem I have. I need a 4.3

[@tomato2122]

I UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN

[@927drummerboy]

Amazing how this piee has such a resemblance in style to that of Liszt. Mr. Howley must also be a pianist as well to compose in this vein.

[@zachhotard3997]

I will always love how dramatic and exciting this piece sounds

[@losgatossonmuychidos]

Absolutely legendary, I’m glad the marimba is getting more and more virtuoso-type pieces to solidify it as a very respectable instrument. I couldn’t imagine this sounding as good without the marimba! (I know this was made 4 years ago but it’s awesome in every way)

[@alexhowley3018]

Thank you so much!! And 4 years ago... Crazy!

[@lanticofficial]

Wow holy cannoli that took me on such a journey that was beautiful man thank you for that

[@bencobl]

I learned this in 8th grade as my second solo and it was so fun to learn Thanks Alex

[@melodyrivas3672]

Hey I just wanted to say thank you for writing this piece, its super cool. Im a junior in high school and this is my second year in band (only been playing marimba for like a year and a half). This is one of my favorite pieces and was my first marimba solo for solo and ensemble. Im happy to say I received a superior with distinction. So thank you for writing this super sick piece and allowing me to push myself as a rookie marimba player!

[@alexhowley3018]

Thank you for the kind words, and great work!

[@justingaither342]

Love watching Alex play and compose. As a drum line instructor, I find much inspiration in his works! Keep making incredible works!

[@NaokoTakada]

Great composition, Alex!!!

[@alexhowley3018]

Thank you so much!

[@marloncastro2742]

Have you thought about adding these songs to a spotify? I would love to listen as I'm doing college studies lol

[@Scriabin_fan]

Wow this is a really amazing composition!

[@annalisafranceschini4702]

This is an amazing piece!!

[@alexhowley3018]

Thank you!

[@shimka62]

Brooo, this is amazing 🤯🤯

[@FollowJesus777-KING]

I just realized at the end of the video that he's using burton grip. I feel like I should learn stevens but idk if it really even matters. I know most of the best players use stevens though

[@samshanermusic]

It depends on how you use it. Traditional Grip is more powerful, but Steven’s Grip is more precise. You can do pretty much everything with both grips though, it really just comes down to personal preference.

[@MNHSpercussion]

Alex is using traditional grip, not Burton's grip.

[@samanthanowlin6786]

im considering playing this for YAC as a freshman. I play marimba for the marching show and am decently good. Do you think someone my age and level would be able to play this?

[@alexhowley3018]

I don't think age is an important factor! I think the key to this piece is a light/super-relaxed technique (personally) and a strength with relaxed single alternating and independent strokes, generally speaking. The rest can be achieved through slow practice! Octaves will be important as well, especially in the left hand. I wrote and performed this piece my junior year of college, after most of my undergraduate lessons were finished, and you can still hear me struggling with parts in this recording (which was stitched together!). It's definitely challenging, but it's pretty easy to practice individual sections and the different techniques they require since the ideas are pretty split up. And worst comes to worst, just re-work or re-write a section to be a little slower or thinner or easier - whatever makes you feel comfortable with your performance! (If you're not comfortable with arranging/composition, this is also a great chance to work with a fellow student who is)

[@samanthanowlin6786]

@@alexhowley3018 thank you so much :)) i love this piece and will totally talk with my director about it! i honestly cant wait :P

[@503music6]

@@samanthanowlin6786 did it already, felt like a solid run, might post a recording, if you had your run how did it go? If not, good luck and best wishes (sophmore)

[@ruski7668]

Is there a way I can adapt this into a 4.3 octave marimba solo? I love the piece but only have access to a 4.3 octave marimba.

[@alexhowley3018]

It's possible, but it won't be a quick fix - you'll probably have to re-arrange some parts of the piece and move some chords up an inversion or two! It's pretty bottom-octave heavy, unfortunately. My other piece published with C. Alan, Gray, is also written for a 5 octave, but it only uses 4 octaves - the entire piece can be played up 1 octave on a 4.3. Thank you for listening and for your interest!!

[@knackepizza2480]

How do you choose to play the Startled and Rapidly part around 1;20? Do you just use one mallet or alternate

[@alexhowley3018]

I alternate between 1&3 and 2&4!

[@ryanklement2332]

Is there anyway you can see the music for the edit you made for your competition? I’m assuming there’s a written copy with the change made for your competition?

[@alexhowley3018]

Unfortunately I never wrote the changes out! That said, even this isn't the "final version" of how I played this piece. The biggest change is definitely removing the chorale section and writing a transition - you may have luck changing it up a bit yourself, or transcribing!

[@ryanklement2332]

@@alexhowley3018 Alright thank you so much!! I’m a big fan of your works, keep it up!!

[@nicksacasa5149]

OH MY GOD RYAN WHAT IS UP

[@ryanklement2332]

@@nicksacasa5149 OMG HI NICK!!!

[@knackepizza2480]

What grip do you use to play this?

[@alexhowley3018]

Traditional grip!

[@raingoff5839]

Show this to say the Marimba is for kids

[@louisrk]

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