Sic Semper Draconis by John Herndon

Sic Semper Draconis by John Herndon

Introduction

Sic Semper Draconis, Latin for “thus always to dragons,” is a vibrant percussion ensemble piece composed by John Herndon. Inspired by fairy tales and fantasy novels, this composition takes performers and audiences on an epic journey of dragon slaying, weaving through various moods and textures to depict the narrative vividly.

Materials and Build Quality

Published by Tapspace Publications, the sheet music is professionally engraved, ensuring clarity and ease of reading for performers. The set includes a full, bound score with a color cover and a CD-ROM containing an audio recording and individual parts in PDF format, suitable for printing or tablet viewing.

Performance and Use Case

Designed for educational settings, this composition is tailored for elementary to intermediate percussion ensembles. With a duration of approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds, it serves as an excellent choice for school concerts, festivals, and recitals. The piece accommodates 12 players, utilizing instruments commonly found in school band rooms, making it accessible for young performers.

Instrumentation

• Player 1: Chimes
• Player 2: Glockenspiel
• Player 3: Vibraphone
• Player 4: Xylophone
• Player 5: Marimba 1 (4-octave or shared with Player 6)
• Player 6: Marimba 2 (low A)
• Player 7: 4 Timpani
• Player 8: Snare Drum
• Player 9: 4 Tom-Toms
• Player 10: Bass Drum
• Player 11: China Cymbal, Hi-Hat, Mark Tree, Temple Blocks
• Player 12: Suspended Cymbal, Finger Cymbals, Triangle, Brake Drum

Key Features

• Composer: John Herndon
• Instrumentation: Percussion Ensemble (12 players)
• Difficulty Level: Elementary to Intermediate
• Publisher: Tapspace Publications
• Format: Printed Edition with CD-ROM
• Duration: Approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds
• Suitable for: School Concerts, Festivals, Recitals

More Information

• Explore more percussion ensemble music at Southern Percussion
• Visit Tapspace Publications (Official Publisher)

Conclusion

This composition stands as a testament to the expressive potential of young percussion ensembles. Through its blend of engaging rhythms and dynamic interplay, it offers performers an opportunity to captivate audiences with a vivid musical narrative. Whether utilized for educational purposes or public performance, this piece is a valuable addition to any percussionist’s library.