Modern Life

Modern Life by John Parker

One of John Parker’s most popular works, Modern Life explores through music the complexity of living in contemporary times.

It is scored for eight players – seven percussionists and electric bass, which features an extensive solo. Modern Life is an energetic and enjoyable work. It suits players of an intermediate skill level and beyond.

Instrumentation:

Player 1 – Xylophone, snare drum, glockenspiel, stick clicks, vibes
Player 2 – Vibes and bowed vibes
Player 3 – Marimba 1 – high
Player 4 – Marimba 2 – high and xylophone
Player 5 – Marimba 2 – low and high
Player 6 – Electric Bass
Player 7 – Shaker, castanets or wood block, finger cymbals, marimba 1 – low
Player 8 – Drumkit, bowed vibes

The piece was commissioned by the Ferny Grove State High School Percussion Ensemble and its director Stephanie McCaw. Many thanks for their ongoing support.

Ferny Grove State High School Percussion Ensemble 1 – performs Modern Life