What is a crossover marimbist?
A crossover marimbist is a marimbist that performs, writes, or simply explores music outside of the typical realm of modern marimba world of primarily though-composed, modern-classical repertoire. Crossover Marimbists utilize improvisation to adapt the marimba to “new” musical settings, such as jazz, folk, or Latin music.
What is the Crossover Marimba Collective?
The Crossover Marimba Collective is a group of marimba players dedicated to the expansion of the instrument through:
providing learning opportunities to marimbists of all levels that focuses on improvisation, exploring non-typical genres on the marimba, and engaging with other styles and musicians
cultivating new, creative works for marimba that utilize elements improvisation-based music
supporting marimba artists that work outside of the typical realm of modern-classical, through-composed music by providing a platform for them to share and present their art
creating a community of creative marimbists to inspire others to explore a more widely-diverse range of styles, genres, and practices for the marimba
Through the CMC, we hope to add to the breadth of the instrument, not take away. We want to see the instrument posses as much versatility as the guitar or piano by adding to its library of artists, recordings, and teaching approaches. The marimba has a rich history in folk music and improvisation, yet the instrument is primarily played in modern/classical, through-composed music settings. Our mission is expand the instrument by crossing over into new genres and practices, especially those that utilize improvisation and interactive freeplay, like: jazz, Latin, Americana, and beyond.
Where is the Collective?
The primary connection spot will be online, with at least one in-person event a year (also offered virtually).
Are you a skilled improviser/marimbist?
CMC is seeking guest artists/teachers. Do you have some marimba skills or insights that seem to fit right in around here? Send us a message here with “CMC GUEST” in the title and a brief proposal of your offering.