As soon as your beginning percussionists can read quarter and eight notes, they can perform this piece. It requires a minimum of three performers, but there is no maximum. You are only limited by the number of instruments available! Just divide the players into three groups: right, middle, and left.
“X” notation is used to indicate a stick click. There are two ways to make the clicks. The first way is to strike the sticks together. Do them at face level so that the audience can see the action. The second way is to have the performers stand in a line and click against the person next to them. The best way is to hold the left hand stick vertical and the right hand stick horizontal. That way the performers won’t miss a click, and should prevent unwanted bruises.