Concert Band

The Winged Serpent

Composer

Brian Drake

The Winged Serpent tells the Mayan legend of a Feathered Serpent god with so much hubris that it flew too close to the sun and burned its tongue. This piece repeatedly explores the use of accidentals and minor seconds in serpentine patterns to help young musicians learn their chromatic fingerings in a musical way. Hairpin dynamics and trombone glissandos also help to emphasize slithery sound effects, as well. Learning this piece, so full of colorful musical imagery and challenging techniques, could be a memorable landmark in your young band’s musical growth!