After an extended, unaccompanied rhapsodic solo from a talking drum player, the remaining ensemble members enter performing the characteristic “Carol of the Bells” rhythm (with the marimba performing the e-minor motif). This introductory section then transitions with the entire ensemble articulating a 7/4 section, which features the 4-mallet vibraphonist and the 4-mallet, 5-octave marimbist.