Seaswell is written for 4 Snare Drummers. Each drummer picks one bar to read, and is placed at that point on the stage (ie. Player 1 is the left most bar, they will be positioned stage RIGHT, etc.). The extremes of the stage must be used. A variations exists where the drummers may be placed surrounding the audience.
Players are to BUZZ ROLL (multiple bounce roll) in tandem with the animated gestures. These rolls can vary in speed, be played open or closed, etc., but must stay as a defined BUZZ ROLL. Single stroke rolls are NOT acceptable. Players should also only use drumsticks, and use only those sticks throughout the performance.
The intensity of the color is related to dynamics (ie. white = not playing, black/red = loudest). When a BLACK color bar appears, the player has the snares ON. When a RED color bar appears, the player has the snares OFF.
Some gestures move quickly, it is okay if the player is staggered with the entrances and exits of their part, it is also acceptable to rest during an ENTIRE duration, though it should be avoided. It is NOT acceptable to start the gesture at an arbitary point (ie. halfway through the fade).
Players are encouraged to explore the different areas of the drum, but once a positon on the head is chosen to play, the player shall remain within very close proximity of that point.
Players may choose to silently engage snares off and on, or do so with authority. This decision can change, but one extreme has to be decided upon before taking action.
It is desired that the drums used in performance be very resonant (steel shells, etc.) and be tuned to a Eb major/minor triad, or resonate with Eb in some regard.
There is a 20 second pause before the piece begins...