PINBALL

“PINBALL” came about after traveling to The Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the world's largest pinball museum housing hundreds of pinball machines ranging from pre 1975 electromechanical (EM) pinball machines where there is no “computer” and all the sounds, mechanics and score keeping are done mechanically compared to the more common post 1975 solid state (SS) pinball machines of today, which use electronic semiconductor memory and complex computers to provide a more stable and cinematic gameplay experience. Inside the 25,000 square foot pinball museum, there are constant metallic and clanking sounds, flipper and bells sounds, and small melodies and motifs all happening antiphonally and simultaneously.

“PINBALL” starts to recreate the cacophony of sound of both EM and SS machines running in an arcade… The piece then erupts into a groove after the arcade soundscape, providing the keyboards to play a fun, unique melody that pays homage to all the old EM machines. The majority of all EM machine bells were tuned in minor 3rds or perfect 5ths. Additionally, these machines would either play a quick repetitive 5 note pattern ( ) or a 3 note pattern ( ) either all on one bell, or between 2 bells creating the minor 3rd or perfect 5th. “PINBALL” is based on these 3’s and 5’s, with there being 3 note patterns and 5 note patterns throughout the entire work. Being a 5 part rondo with an intro and coda, and there being 3 different distinct sections within the work, always returning to the main theme, “PINBALL” brings all things pinball together.

• Keyboard 1 - Vibraphone (+opt complementary Glockenspiel)

• Keyboard 2 - 4.3 Octave Marimba

• Perc 1 - High woodblock & Low woodblock

• Perc 2 - High cowbell & Low cowbell; High metal tone pole/Low metal tone pole (tuned closed to “G” & “C” respectively if possible)

• Perc 3 - High tom & Low tom; Bongos

• Perc 4 - Hi-hat; kick drum