Clinic Feature:
TMEA All State Audition Etudes
Featuring Dr. Michael Varner, Professor of Percussion, UT Arlington

Each year, thousands of percussionists throughout Texas audition for placement in the All Region, Area and State Ensembles. Because of the worth of musical development that these selections have for high school percussionists, we’ve decided to create a special clinic covering the 4 etudes. Even if you’re not from Texas, we hope that you’ll benefit from the musical experience by practicing these selections. A new etude will be introduced every few weeks and remain available until after the final auditions take place.

For information about Dr. Michael Varner, or the UT Arlington Percussion Department, visit http://www.uta.edu/music/band/percussion.htm

Click here to download Dr. Varner's article, “Preparing for an All-State Audition: An outline for success”

Timpani Selection: Etude XVII
From The Solo Timpanist, Vic Firth, Carl Fischer Publications, Page 33

Watch a performance of this piece by Dr. Michael Varner:

Get some general practice suggestions for this piece:

Mallet Recommendations:
From the Tim Genis Signature Series, the GEN7 timpani mallet produces an immediate attack at loud and soft dynamic levels. Wood core.
L = 14 5/16" Head = 1 5/16"
From the Tim Genis Signature Series, the GEN6 timpani mallet retains a dark quality while achieving excellent articulation. Wood core.
L = 14 5/16" Head = 1 1/2"

Phrase by phrase performance suggestions from Dr. Varner:
Phrase I: Beginning – measure 18
Phrase II: Measure 18 – 29
Phrase III: Measure 29 – end

 

Four Mallet Keyboard Selection: Chorale and Variations in C Major
From Fundamental Solos for Mallets, Mitchell Peters , Alfred Publications, Page 20-22

Watch a performance of this piece by Dr. Michael Varner:

Get some general practice suggestions for this piece:

Mallet Recommendations:
From the Gifford Howard Signature Series, this medium mallet adds a lush quality to the lower range while providing the attack needed through most of the upper range. Also recommended is a 'graduated' set of mallets, using a M163 on top, two M162s and a M161 on bottom for the best possible orchestration of sound.
The hard M183 yarn mallet from the Multiple Application Series provides a full tone and excellent clarity in the upper half of the instrument. It features a synthetic yarn that is very durable for indoor as well as outdoor settings.

Phrase by phrase performance suggestions from Dr. Varner:
Phrase I: Beginning – measure 16
Phrase II: Pickup to m.17 – m.34
Phrase III: Pickup to m.35 – end (m.51)

 

Two Mallet Keyboard Selection: Allegretto from Handel’s Sonata in A Major for Violin
From Masterpieces for the Marimba, McMillan, Warner Bros. Publications, Page 18-19

Watch a performance of this piece by Dr. Michael Varner:     |  HIGH BANDWIDTH   |   MEDIUM BANDWIDTH   |

Since this piece was originally written for the Violin, we’ve enlisted the help of Martha Walvoord, Assistant Professor of Violin, UT Arlington. Martha will not only perform the piece for us, but will also discuss Baroque phrasing as well as the technical aspects of performing the piece on the violin.

Watch a performance of this piece by Martha Walvoord:
|  HIGH BANDWIDTH   |   MEDIUM BANDWIDTH   |

Get some general practice suggestions from Dr. Varner:     |  HIGH BANDWIDTH   |   MEDIUM BANDWIDTH   |

Mallet Recommendations:
From the new Virtuoso Series, this mallet features a rubber core wrapped with a wool blend yarn for an enhanced warm and full-bodied sound. Provides excellent clarity throughout the full range of the marimba.
Medium soft, latex covered mallet from the Ensemble Series. Produces a warm full-bodied sound with excellent clarity for the lower two-thirds register. Latex cover thickness = 1/8"
The most popular model in the Van Sice Signature Series, this mallet covers the entire range of the marimba and produces an articulate singing sound that is full of life.

Phrase by phrase performance suggestions from Ms. Walvoord and Dr. Varner:
Phrase I: Beginning – A
Phrase II: A – C
Phrase III: C – D
Phrase IV: D – meas. 47
Phrase V: m47 – 58
Phrase VI: m58 – end

Come back soon for more clinics on the timpani and snare etudes!
Robert Van Sice
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Eduardo Leandro
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Joseph Schwantner
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Ji Hye Jung
Performance clips from an exciting new talent and winner of the 2006 Linz marimba competition.
Stuart Marrs
Excerpts "Stuart Marrs on Elliott Carter Eight Pieces for Four Timpani: Performance and Analysis."
Vic Firth
Vic reminisces on his 50 year career with the BSO and the history of his company.
Tom Gauger
A video lesson series on the concert bass drum from one of the most respected experts in the field.
Gary Burton
Watch Gary play the vibes and talk about what he looks for in a set of mallets.
Ted Atkatz
Ted talks about his background and winning the audition at the Chicago Symphony at a young age.
Michael Varner
Professor Michael Varner performs two pieces for solo marimba.
Giff Howarth
A lesson series for the beginning four mallet student from Giff's book "Simply Four."