Vic Firth is excited to offer students and teachers around the world exposure to some of the best high school and collegiate percussion ensembles. In this feature, the University of Texas at Arlington Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Michael Varner, performs SORCERY! This original work by Dr. Varner features 20th century harmony and a driving timpani ostinato. Sorcery! is a grade 5 piece on the Texas UIL Class I Ensemble List. Click here for more information.

Mallet Selection

		M213 - Virtuoso Series Marimba Mallet The Virtuoso Series features a rubber core wrapped with a wool blend yarn for an enhanced warm and full-bodied sound. The handles are made of birch with a unique “slip-resistant” finish for excellent feel and enhanced control. Click here to see the full line of Virtuoso Series Marimba Mallets
		M171 - Multi-Application Series Marimba Mallet Soft yarn marimba mallet with very little attack. Designed to provide a full-bodied tone in the low register. Rubber core; birch shafts. Click here to see the full line of Multi-Application Series Mallets
		M188 - Multi-Application Series Vibe Mallet Hard yarn cord mallet provides maximum projection and clarity. Weighted rubber core; rattan shafts. Click here to see the full line of Multi-Application Series Mallets
		GEN6 - Tim Genis Signature Timpani Mallet - Hard Tonal Retains a dark quality while achieving excellent articulation. Wood core. L = 14 5/16" Head = 1 1/2" Click here to see the full line of Tim Genis Series Mallets
		M144 - Orchestral Series Bell Mallet Round brass head creates a bright sound. Head = 5/8", L = 14 1/8" Click here to see the full line of Orchestral Series Mallets
		KEYBOARD BAG Hangs from the bar post of a marimba, vibraphone or xylophone and holds a full complement of mallets and sticks. Six large pockets in two well-spaced rows of contrasting material faclitate fast mallet changes. Features two inner pencil pockets and a large outer pocket for music, a metronome or accessories. Water resistant nylon with a heavy-duty zipper. L = 24", W = 27" Click here for larger image
		BD1 - Soundpower General Bass Drum Mallet Perfect for all purpose playing. Head = 3 1/4", L = 17" Click here to see the full line of Soundpower Series Mallets
		CH - Soundpower Chime Hammer For brilliant chime sounds. Head = 1 5/8" Click here to see the full line of Soundpower Series Mallets

The Professor of Percussion at the University of Texas at Arlington is Dr. Michael Varner, a position he has held for 24 years. As Coordinator of Percussion activities, he is involved in every aspect of percussion including Percussion Ensemble, Marching Percussion, Marimba Ensemble, and a full schedule of private students.

Dr. Varner is currently presenting a series of recitals featuring both time-honored and newly composed works for percussion in preparation for the national release of a solo CD. His recitals often include compositions that integrate computer and MIDI effects into live performance. He has performed chamber music and studio work in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area including appearances with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He received his Doctorate in Percussion Performance from the University of North Texas with his dissertation on "The Marimba Concerti of David Maslanka." He holds a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of music degree from Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Prior to his appointment at UTArlington he taught percussion, ethnomusicology, jazz, and marching band for five years at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo.

For more information about the Undergraduate Percussion Program at the University of Texas at Arlington, contact

Dr. Michael Varner, Professor of Percussion
Email: mvarner@uta.edu

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN INFORMATIONAL PACKET ABOUT THE UTA PERCUSSION PROGRAM (PDF)

VISIT THE UTA PERCUSSION PROGRAM ONLINE: http://www.uta.edu/music/band/percussion.htm