top of page

PERCUSSION

Not%20a%20Pipe_edited.jpg

This Is Not A Box

2019

7 minutes; for Solo Cajón

Bringing a non-traditional instrument such as the cajón into an art music setting requires a measure of cultural awareness and sensitivity. The freshness of a ‘rare’ instrument is often appreciated. Yet, when making attempts to expand beyond euro-centric instrumentation and stylings, new additions sometimes get stripped of their own history and backgrounds. Performing the cajón in a concert hall is itself a political act; it is crucial such an act be handled respectfully.

Given the cajón’s early history as a banned slave instrument, this piece draws from the rhythms of traditionally African American popular music genres such as Hip-Hop and Jazz, musics which themselves have a history of being banned and appropriated. Other influences include Drum ‘n’ Bass, a rhythmic genre with roots in British Afro-Caribbean dance club music.

Commissioned by Trevor Hall on the occasion of Dr. Daniel Kennedy’s retirement from California State University, Sacramento. Premiered in 2019 by percussionist Trevor Hall.

bottom of page