March of the Dragons: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$45.00 USD

March of the Dragons: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: March of the Dragons: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1743
Price: 45.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Mike Collins-Dowden

Grade: 1.5

Item: 98-B1743

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Three fearsome dragons do battle in this exciting and unique concert march. Each strain represents the character of a different dragon, with every instrument getting an opportunity to play at least one of the menacing themes. There’s even a “dragon fight” section where the winds and percussion trade rhythmic hits. Sure to add some fire to your next concert!

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Series: FJH Developing Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444392676

SKU: 98-B1743

More about this title

About the Composer: Mike Collins-Dowden

Mike Collins-Dowden has directed band at Pleasant Ridge School in Glenview, Illinois, where he has taught fourth and fifth grade students since 2007. He studied music education and trombone performance at the Eastman School of Music, graduating in 2003, and went on to complete a master's degree in music education from Temple University in 2007. During his time at Eastman, he performed with the Wind Ensemble on their 2004 Japan tour.

As a composer, Collins-Dowden writes specifically for young musicians, drawing on nearly two decades of classroom experience. He has published over 30 works with Alfred/Belwin, FJH, and Jalen Music, building a catalog that balances musical substance with the realities of developing bands. When away from the podium and manuscript paper, he performs on trombone and guitar.

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Why we love this

A composer who knows exactly how young bands think and move writes this march with genuine character for every section. The three-dragon concept keeps thematic interest high while the "dragon fight" trading section between winds and percussion transforms what could be a standard form into something bands actually want to rehearse and audiences lean forward to hear.

What to expect

Three distinct musical personalities clash and compete in a march that crackles with rhythmic urgency. The orchestration ensures every stand gets a moment in the spotlight, building ensemble ownership of a story told entirely through instrumental color and contrasting themes.

Who it's for

Grade 1.5 concert bands ready for material with genuine musical character and narrative appeal. Directors seeking a contest or festival piece that gives students a compelling reason to invest in intonation, ensemble balance, and rhythmic precision while keeping rehearsals energized.

How to get the most out of it

Establish clear character differentiation between the three dragons before rehearsing them consecutively. Each strain should feel like a distinct personality rather than repetition of the same material.
Lock the rhythm section tightly during the "dragon fight" section; the trading hits between winds and percussion only land with energy when the foundation is solid.
Shape each dragon's theme with dynamic contrast and articulation changes to highlight which instruments carry the melody in each strain.

How to use it

This march serves equally well as a contest selection, a spring concert opener that commands attention immediately, or a festival piece that showcases how young ensembles can execute musical characterization. It pairs effectively with more lyrical selections, using its dramatic energy to frame calmer repertoire.

Skills your students will build

Thematic identification and character expression across different instrumental families
Rhythmic precision in trading section passages between winds and percussion
Balance and intonation within sustained harmonic backgrounds
Articulation control to distinguish character and personality within repeated material