Stick ‘Em Up by Kevin Robles © 2026 Tapspace Publications, LLC (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
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PROGRAM NOTES
Stick ‘Em Up is an entry-level percussion quartet written for players using only drumsticks—no drums or other instruments required. Inspired by Steve Reich’s Music for Pieces of Wood, the piece explores rhythmic layering, gradual shifts, and interlocking patterns, all adapted to be accessible and fun for middle and high school students. Each player contributes a unique rhythm that enters in phases, building into a tightly woven groove. By using different ways of striking the sticks, the players create a surprising variety of sounds from a single, familiar tool. The focus is centered on timing, ensemble awareness, and listening.
The piece serves both as a tribute to minimalist music and a hands-on way for young musicians to explore rhythm in its purest form. It was written in the summer of 2025 at the request of Dr. T. Adam Blackstock for the Troy University Summer Leadership Camp and follows in the spirit of my earlier novelty piece Stand Music (also available from Tapspace).
—Kevin
Robles
PERFORMANCE NOTES
At letter D, Players 1 and 4 “bring their sticks in” (both sticks held together) while Players 2 and 3 play on the sticks held by P1 and P4. The roles reverse at letter E.
At letter G, Players 2 and 3 face each other and raise their sticks about eye level (“Stick ‘Em Up!”) in order to play on each other’s sticks with both hands simultaneously (think “high five” with both hands). Players must position their sticks at different angles in order to effectively hit the other’s sticks.
PLAYERS, INSTRUMENTATION, AND SETUP
Stick ‘Em Up requires 4 players each with a single pair of slightly differently pitched drumsticks. The piece may be expanded in multiples of four players (8, 12, 16, etc.).
