Helter Skelter (1984)
for percussion quartet

Duration: 8'30"
Instrumentation: four percussionists (total instruments needed: 3 roto toms, 3 single-headed tom toms, 2 suspended cymbals, 2 timpani, snare drum)

Premiere: Nichols School concert, Buffalo, NY, Fall, 1984.
Publisher: Robert Paterson Music (ASCAP)

Audio Excerpt - Version 1 [MP3] | Audio Excerpt - Version 2 [MP3] | Player 1 Part [PDF]

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Program Notes

Helter Skelter was written in 1984 for myself and three other percussionists. At the time, I was frustrated with how few provocative pieces there were for four percussionists, so I decided to write my own. It is my first piece for multiple players. It relies on everyone listening closely and quickly reacting to each other. The parts are written in such a way as to allow the players to choose which phrase cells they may or may not play and how long they play them. If performed correctly, this work should never sound the same way twice.

– Robert Paterson