Dynamotion is a newer piece composed in 2019 by Dr. Chad Floyd, a percussion professor from Campbellsville University. According to Floyd, Dynamotion was inspired by his practice sessions in the “Dynamo Room,” a small percussion room that he frequently visited while pursuing his master’s degree at Belmont University. The piece asks for a mallet quintet, consisting of three marimba and two vibraphone parts, as well as a soloist playing drum set and roto-toms.

Even though my major focuses on classical percussion, I decided to include this drum set solo on the program for several reasons.

First, this piece calls back to my roots as a percussionist. I started playing drum set in elementary school, and my classical percussion studies began in middle school. Second, I think that developing drum set proficiency is critical for all aspiring percussionists. Over the years, I have realized that versatility with instruments is highly sought-after in the percussion world, especially when it comes to performance, and I desired to express my versatility in the program. Finally, even with its technical and musical challenges, Dynamotion is a piece that moves seamlessly, and it’s simply fun to play!

From its underlying groove at the start to its drum solo section and concluding jam session, this piece symbolizes that, after all the joys and hardships I’ve experienced, my life keeps moving forward.