Dr. Michael Varner, Percussionist
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Michael Varner Music 2007

 
Title Description Grade Players Price
*******New!!!!!!*******
Counterpane II Advanced new PASIC style snare drum solo that incorporates the latest rudiments and concepts.  Counterpane II highlights both the visual and the excitement of marching percussion!   Grade 5 Solo  $9.50

 
*******New!!!!!!*******
Arabian Sketches  Arabian Sketches is based on dances and rhythms from the Mid-east.  The composition for western percussion instruments  features the "Doumbek" which is a goblet shaped hand drum. Mid-eastern "Zil" and "Riq" can be substituted for the Finger cymbals and tambourine if desired for a more authentic effect, or strictly western instruments can be used. "Arabian Sketches" captures the "aura" of the fabled Mid-east described in novels and legends.  Grade 5 8  players $45.00

 
Tala  Tala allows performers and audience to experience some of the unique aspects of Classical Indian music.   Based on a rhythmic pattern of twelve beats it is divided into groupings of 5 and 7 subdivided into 2-3-2-2-3.  Written for strictly western instruments, Tala challenges the ensemble to rhythmic precision and ensemble awareness offering a small taste of the relentless energy of Indian music!  Grade 5 7 players $45.00

 
Phantasm III  Phantasm III is an imaginary  "movie sound track"  featuring the widest possible variety of intriguing sounds and colors.  From its first moment with all performers exploring every imaginable possibility for suspended cymbal through a finale of spatial sixteenth notes Phantasm III drives forward with relentless energy. 
Close your eyes and picture the scenes!
Grade 5 7 players $45.00

 
 

Celestial Elements"  for 7 Percussionists and Snare Drum Soloist
Written to spotlight the snare drum, each movement gives the listener a different view of musical and tonal capabilities.  The movements can be performed separately.  "The best vehicle for showcasing the snare drums sound and color that I have ever experienced."   Richard MacDonald, Director of Percussion Studies, Winona State University, Minnesota 7 Percussionists and Snare Drum Soloist
1. Earth Reflects the orchestral role and sound of the snare drum. 
(TEXAS UIL ENSEMBLE LIST, CLASS 1) 
Grade 4 $20.00
2. Wind Highlights the sound color aspects of the snare drum. 
(TEXAS UIL ENSEMBLE LIST, CLASS 1) 
Grade 5+ $20.00
3. Fire The brash contemporary  "outdoor" character of the snare drum. 
(TEXAS UIL ENSEMBLE LIST, CLASS 1) 
Grade 5+ $20.00

 
 
Sorcery! Orchestral style ensemble with 20th century harmony, and a driving timpani ostinato. 
(TEXAS UIL ENSEMBLE LIST, CLASS 1) 
Grade 5 12 players $40.00
Mushroom Soup  A flashy fusion composition featuring bass and drumset with contrasting musical sections. 
(TEXAS UIL ENSEMBLE LIST, CLASS 1) 
Grade 5 11 players
bass and drumset 
$40.00

 
 
Soul of the new machine  A contemporary ensemble for a  younger group, that features a wide range of colors and textures. 
(TEXAS UIL ENSEMBLE LIST, CLASS 1) 
 Grade 3-4 7 players $30.00

 
 
Challenging Horizons Snare drum collection of 11 solos progressing from intermediate to advanced featuring the latest techniques combined with good musical phrasing. 
(TEXAS UIL SOLO LIST, CLASS 1) 
....."as much fun to hear as they are to perform!"
 Grade 3-5 $12.00

 
 
Bamboo Dragon Challenging multiple percussion solo for concert toms, Bass drum, temple gongs, and wood block.  Wide variety of colors, featuring sections requiring hand independence.
(TEXAS UIL SOLO LIST, CLASS 1) 
...."the sounds of the orient!"
Grade 5 $14.00
MarchingPercussion
Escape Velocity High Tech indoor show piece for MIDI track and battery. ***NEW*** Grade 5 MIDI track and battery. $35.00
Overload An aggressive "opener"  with a legato 5/8 middle featuring using brushes and a myriad of colors. Grade 4 $30.00
Balafon African sound and groove, with modern corp. techniques. Grade 5$30.00 Grade 5 $30.00
Desert Dance Marching percussion feature featuring a latin sound with a 7/8 groove.  Grade 3 Battery and limited pit $30.00
Available through your local music store or direct from:

Michael Varner Music
University of Texas at Arlington
Music Department PO 19105
Arlington, TX 76019 

Email: MVarner@UTA.edu **prices subject to change** 817-272-3434 Fax