Maneno Ya
Commissioned in 2012 by the Penicuik Silver Band and included in their programme for the Borders Entertainments Contest, Maneno Ya is an African-themed anthem for band.
The name Maneno Ya (pronounced Mah-Neh-Noh - Yah) is Swahili and translates as ‘song’ hence the subtitle of the piece - A ‘Song’ of Africa. The work opens at a steady pace with percussion while the flugel horn states the first theme. The accompaniment is generally scored sostenuto throughout to obtain the effect of a hymn or chorale. At times syncopation is implied through articulation markings in both the melody and accompanying lines. This is to highlight rhythmic interest and should not be over-emphasised.
The piece has four percussion parts; however, all parts other than the drum kit part are optional. Percussion can play a large role in this piece if required, however, with parts doubled or improvised over to create a more authentic sound.