Raindrops is a fabulous contrast to normal concert fare because there is no melody - the interest is in the interplay of polyrhythms, similar to West African percussion ensembles. Raindrops has been successfully performed at the Junior High Level and by Middle School Honor Ensembles. This pensive composition has long, sweeping phrases that, like waves at the beach, build slowly, crash, recede and build again. The low winds and strings carry a low, powerful melody through the middle sections supported by a pulsing, heartbeat background. First violins move slowly by step to seventh position - a great first piece for these positions.
Violins also get some experience with some simple harmonics.
A moving, thoughtful way to close a concert.