Face the Dragon – Full Score

Description

Few things conjure the image of a courageous spirit quite like facing off against a mystical beast. This new work for developing band by Matthew R. Putnam offers directors yet another work that they will want to play again and again!

Program Notes

Being a musician can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences a person can have. However, it takes a lot of dedication, persistence, and repetition to be successful as a musician. In the video series “Marsalis on Music,” legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis discusses the importance of practice for musicians, while acknowledging that, even for him when he was starting out, that practice was not always fun or easy. He goes on to tell us that, while every musician wants to play well, not every musician is willing to do the difficult things it takes to achieve musical success. Putting a finer point on his discussion, Marsalis emphatically states “Everyone wants to be the hero ‘til it’s time to face the dragon!” meaning that everyone wants to reap the rewards of success without having to put in the time and effort to get there (i.e. practice!). I wish you courage and determination as you face your own dragons on your journey as musicians!