Region:
USA
Style:
Contemporary
Composer:
Jeffords, Travis
Bottle Rocket Red is a modern work by Travis Jeffords. Rhythm and accent will be the most demanding part of this piece. Slow performances will help instill the various accents and rhythms as well as repetition of any patterns. The rasgueados in the chords are played down stroke with I and up stroke with P. There are many, many 2-4 slurs in Bottle Rocket Red. Every part plays them. Construct a warm-up that isolates 2-4 slurs both ascending and descending.
Cultural/Historical Context:
Bottle Rocket Red is much in the same tradition as compositions by modern composer Steve Reich. He is considered minimalist and is inspired by popular music. Have the students listen to some works by Steve Reich and discuss what makes these pieces “minimalist.”