Cotton Mill, for samba band

Abstract

This piece uses the instruments of the samba bateria or a similar percussion ensemble to replicate the sounds of a Lancashire steam powered cotton mill, specifically Queen Street Mill in Burnley, whilst also presenting a coherent and satisfying piece of music.
The introduction represents the engine building up to full speed. Pattern 1 is the engine room from which the mill is powered. Pattern 2 is the shaft leading from the engine to the machine room. Pattern 3 is the machines driven by the shaft producing a combination of different rhythms at a matching tempo.
This piece is composed so as to be straightforward to teach, particularly with the variations offered. The version learnt by the Worldwise Samba Drummers was performed alongside the Preston Samba Dancers for whom Anna Debbage had choreographed actions based on the movements of the machinery in the three mill spaces. The Worldwise Samba Drummers also added arm movements derived from those of the Preston Samba Dancers for times in the piece when they weren’t playing.
The piece was performed by the Worldwise Samba Drummers and the Preston Samba Dancers at the Preston Festival of Light and at Chorley Live, both in 2016.
Contents
- Contextual statement
- Score.
- Audio archive of the piece played in rehearsal by the Worldwise Samba Drummers.
- Video presenting audio of the mill alongside the corresponding parts of the piece.