abouT-facE

abouT-facE is a percussion trio that aims to create melody from groups of unpitched instruments. This backward take on a typical percussion piece involving primarily unpitched instruments is the inspiration for the title abouT-facE, which is a militaristic term meaning to turn so as to face the opposite direction. The three parts are separated by differing timbres, and the instruments are grouped together based on three sound types: woods, skins, and metals. While certain instruments may not necessarily fit perfectly into these categorical distinctions (i.e. clay pots in the metal grouping), the similar timbres define them. Through these groupings, modes are created, which allows for the creation of melodic material in an otherwise unpitched environment. These melodies define the structure of the piece just as melodic themes often define formal landmarks in pitched music.