Alfred Publishing Dragon Dance - Story - Concert Band (Flex-Band) - Gr. 0.5

Composer: Michael Story
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band (Flex-Band)
Grade: 0.5

This version of Dragon Dance by Michael Story is part of our Belwin FLEX offerings and is designed with maximum flexibility for use by any mix of instruments - wind, strings, and percussion, including like- or mixed-ensembles with as few as 3 players. The suggested instrumentation and a customizable Teacher Map will help you plan out how to best assign parts to suit your ensemble's needs. The 3-part instrumentation will support balanced instrumentation of the lower voices. It also comes with supplemental parts for maximum flexibility. With the purchase of this piece, permission is granted to photocopy the parts as needed for your ensemble. A percussion accompaniment track is also available as a free download. String parts have been carefully edited with extra fingerings and appropriate bowings to support students in mixed ensembles playing in less familiar keys.

The Dragon Dance is a popular event in traditional Chinese culture, especially during Chinese New Year celebrations. Originating during the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-200 A.D), the dance is carried out by a team of performers that carry the dragon on poles, fluidly mimicking its supposed movements. Drums, cymbals, and gongs usually provide the musical accompaniment to this beautiful and colorful performance.