Dragon Run: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$55.00 USD

Dragon Run: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Dragon Run: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49503
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Chris M. Bernotas

Grade: 1.5

Item: 00-49503

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The Dragon Run is a 40 mile winding stream that flows throughout Virginia and empties into the Piankatank River. It is also known as the Dragon Swamp and even just The Dragon. This immense ecosystem is known for its rich wildlife and preserved beauty. Dragon Run by Chris M. Bernotas features strong rhythms, intentional dissonance, contrasting dynamics, and wonderful musical opportunities for all. It echoes the excitement of exploring the views and experiencing the sometimes intense wildlife visitors encountered when journeying along the river and surrounding swamps. (2:26) Correlated to Sound Innovations, Book 1, Level 6.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Dragon Run: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Sound Innovations for Concert Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-4978-0

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-4978-4

UPC: 038081570563

SKU: 00-49503

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas brings more than 25 years of instrumental music experience to his work as both a composer and educator. As Director of Instrumental Publications at Alfred Music, he shapes band and orchestra curricula used in classrooms worldwide, drawing on direct teaching experience to understand what students and directors actually need from their music.

Bernotas has built a catalog of compositions performed by ensembles at every level, from emerging bands to advanced groups seeking substantive repertoire. Beyond the page, he works regularly as a guest conductor and clinician, presents on pedagogy and composition, and co-authored several influential resources including the Sound Innovations series. His commitment centers on creating music that satisfies both the musician's artistic instincts and the teacher's pedagogical goals.

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Why we love this

Bernotas captures genuine excitement here without oversimplifying the musical language. The strong rhythmic foundation and contrasting dynamics give early-level bands real interpretive choices, while the intentional dissonance prevents the piece from feeling saccharine or overly familiar. Programming-wise, it bridges accessible musicianship and genuine artistic merit, making it equally at home in concert or contest contexts.

What to expect

Dragon Run invites listeners into motion. Propulsive rhythms and vivid dynamic swings create a sense of exploration and discovery, punctuated by moments of intensity that reflect the wildlife and raw beauty of the swamp ecosystem. The music feels organic and alive without losing clarity or accessibility.

Who it's for

Concert bands in their first years of ensemble playing who are ready for slightly more sophisticated harmonic language and programmatic storytelling. Directors seeking early-level contest or festival material that respects young musicians' musicianship while remaining technically manageable.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the rhythmic vitality through clear articulation in the section parts; precision here will make the band sound more mature than the grade level suggests.
Balance the dissonant moments so they register as intentional color rather than uncertainty. Conductor clarity on these harmonic shifts will help the ensemble commit confidently.
Use the dynamic contrasts to tell the story of the journey. Sudden drops or swells should feel like encountering something unexpected along the river, not arbitrary changes.
Lock the tempo early in rehearsal so rhythmic momentum carries the narrative; this piece relies on forward motion to evoke the excitement Bernotas intended.

How to use it

Pair this with other Bernotas pieces or sound design work to highlight a thematic concert around environmental narratives or regional storytelling. It works well mid-program where you want to shift energy and remind audiences (and students) why exploring new musical landscapes matters. Contest-ready material that also strengthens musicianship in performance situations.