Travel back in time to the Middle Ages with this intensely energetic work, Castle Bartizan, by Sarah Siegler. The "bartizan" is a turret of a castle, built along the defensive wall, containing the castle guard. The stonework could be quite ornate while the function was to protect the guard from invaders. The accented minor melody describes the stonework and the importance of the guard standing "at the ready" in the castle bartizan. The lyrical, contrasting sections depict the beauty and timelessness of ancient castles. The percussion, utilizing low tom-tom and tambourine combined with modal harmonies, gives the piece a medieval flare that will keep your students engaged and excited about the power of making music together. (2:25)