Ford-Polaris-M

Polaris by Mark Ford is a one movement solo based on a rhythmic theme in 7/8 meter. Set in a modified rondo form, two separate ostinatos help unify the music while themes from the opening chorale and allegro sections are developed. As the North Star has served as a navagation reference for centuries, Polaris reflects the inner part of each of us that guides our decisions and shapes our identity.

Number of Players: 1
Difficulty: Grade 5
Instrumentation:

Player I: Marimba

Mark Ford is the coordinator of percussion activities at The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas and Immediate Past-President of the Percussive Arts Society. He is a marimba specialist and the director of one of the largest percussion programs in the United States at UNT. Ford has premiered a variety of new works for solo marimba, and he is the author of Marimba:Technique Through Music, a marimba method book. Ford has been a featured performer/clinician throughout the states at universities and at music conferences including PASIC, MENC, TMEA, Mid-West and CBDNA. Mark has also performed at International Music Festivals in South America, Asia, Australia and Europe. With several marimba and percussion CDs to his credit, Mark's recordings have further established his dedication to excellence in music.