The Serpent

Performance Notes  The Serpent is a mid-tempo piece that often oscillates between loud and soft.  It is best suited for the middle- to the high school level ensemble.  Rhythmically, The Serpent consists of 1/8th, ¼, ½ and whole rests; ¼ notes and 1/8th notes in groups of 2 and 4.  The Serpent tells a story of observing a snake’s often-mysterious behavior (i.e. a cobra) in anticipation.  The beginning introduces us to the serpent—it’s color pattern, length, position, etc.  Letter A introduces action to the piece’s story, leading us into letter B, where the serpent lies, totally still.  This section builds to letter C, where the serpent raises its head, feeling agitated.  Letter D settles down a bit, with the suspended cymbal evoking a feeling of exotic mystery.  The serpent keeps its eyes upon the observer as he/she changes their point-of-vision.  The build into letter E represents the serpent positioning to strike, which it soon does, repeatedly, until the piece’s ending.  The first 4