Shifting Forces portrays the movements that shape our planet. Seismic activity is explored through explosive tutti sections and powerful arrivals, balanced by moments of subtle color shifts, lush harmonies, and delicate, minimalist-inspired ostinati.

The music moves between intensity and restraint, reflecting the constant tension between stability and motion beneath the earth’s surface. Sudden surges give way to quieter, layered textures, allowing ensembles to experience both energy and nuance within a concise, approachable framework.

Written at the Grade 2 level, Shifting Forces is designed to provide a mature musical experience while remaining accessible for younger or developing musicians.

Performance Notes:

Smaller noteheads are available for developing musicians. The larger noteheads are preferred whenever possible.

Percussion II was conceived as a multi-percussion part to be performed by one player. However, it can be doubled endlessly or the part can be divided to one player per drum. Both are acceptable as the part could offer the developing percussionist important skills in either a simple multi-percussion setup or learning to read their own line from a single part.

Separate parts are provided for glockenspiel, xylophone, and vibraphone in addition to a “Keyboard Percussion Score” in the event that there are not enough percussionists and the parts need to be condensed or performed on piano.

This work for concert band is part of the Purposeful Repertoire Collection, a series of works that aims to provide a mature musical experience for ensembles looking to perform thoughtfully crafted music despite 

limitations in rehearsal time or a still-developing technical proficiency on their instruments.

See the full collection and learn more at

kevinpoelking.com/prc