The word "centone" refers to a patchwork of small pieces of colored cloth sewn together (like a quilt). This centone is a set of 25 sound patterns (panels) that may be performed in any order, either simultaneously or consecutively.

The panels are organized by letters (representing instrumental ensembles) and numbers (representing textures that move from most static [1] to most active [5]). Like many quilts, each panel is constructed with some version of symmetry.

A1	A2	A3	A4	A5
B1	B2	B3	B4	B5
C1	C2	C3	C4	C5
D1	D2	D3	D4	D5
E1	E2	E3	E4	E5

The five ensembles:

Each ensemble consists of five parts:

	Soprano	Alto	Middle	Tenor	Bass
A:	Flute, piccolo	Flute, oboe, clarinet	Oboe, clarinet	Clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon	Bass clarinet, bassoon
B:	Sop sax	Alto sax 1	Alto sax 2	Tenor sax	Bari sax
C:	Trumpet	Trumpet, horn	Trumpet, horn	Horn	Horn
D:	Trombone, baritone	Trombone, baritone, euphonium	Trombone, baritone, euphonium	Trombone, baritone, euphonium	Bass trombone, tuba
E:	Bells	Xylophone	Vibraphone	Marimba	Timpani

Each ensemble utilizes five pitches: one pitch in common to all (F), three pitches in common to two other ensembles , and one pitch unique to that ensemble.

A:	Ab		C	D	E	F
B:		Bb	C	D	E	F
C:	A	B		D		F	Gb
D:	A	B		Db	E	F
E:	A	B	C		Eb	F

Directions:

1. The arrangement of the panels needs to be planned in advance by the conductor, in consultation with the performers; the rehearsal process becomes a creative process.
2. Each ensemble should have some sections of rest.
3. Each panel must be 10 seconds long (quarter=120, for 20 beats)
4. Each panel must be used at least once (although using some more than once is advisable to provide unity).
5. No more than three panels may be used simultaneously at any given time. Since activity increases as numbers become larger, it is advisable to mix lower numbers with higher numbers.
6. Three ensembles (A. C, and D) need to make decisions regarding instrumentation; B and E have no choices. The instrumentation of A, C, and D may change for each panel. Octaves may be changed to suit range.
7. The panels must line up precisely; there are framing devices to assist in alignment:
   • Front edge: a choice of 5 introductions
   • Center: a choice of 5 dividers that are performed by an ensemble not in use in the previous panel
   • Back edge: a choice of 5 codas
   The framing devices are presented with the same directions as the panels.