This Artist Clinic/Performance will feature the world premiere of Opposing Notes by Parker Fritz, a groundbreaking new work commissioned by Composite Duo, composed for Alto saxophone and six mallet marimba. The session will focus on the technical possibilities of advanced six mallet marimba technique and ways to collaborate with composers to create more musical possibilities.

Opposing Notes (2024) for alto saxophone and six mallet marimba is an evolving conversation-turned-argument between the two instruments. Initially, the saxophone and marimba share similar opinions on how the music should be, but they do not fully agree on the specifics. Each instrument stubbornly attempts to persuade and force the other to play the music how they think it should be, resulting in several episodes of discussion, unproductive negotiation, and argument before reluctantly settling on a compromise. The end of the piece is a passionate outburst, as if both instruments have reached the end of their wits and given up on their futile attempts to work with each other.

The piece represents a bold collaboration between two instruments from distinct sonic worlds, utilizing the complexity of advanced six mallet technique to expand the marimba’s expressive range while interacting with the lyrical and dynamic capabilities of the saxophone. The session will offer an in-depth exploration of ways to achieve six mallet and interval independence within compositional insights, and the art of cross-instrument collaboration.

Through performance and interactive demonstration, participants will experience how these two instruments converse within a dynamic, contemporary context. The clinic/performance will also address the technical and interpretive aspects of both the six-mallet technique and working with wind instruments, offering valuable insights for performers, educators, and composers alike.