This march was written for the Durham MS Band in Lewisville, TX, an enthusiastic group of young musicians, growing in their technique and musicality and eager to sound like “the big kids.” Pride of the Maroon Dragons features a variety of articulations for the trumpets and upper woodwinds in the first strain, and a bold melody for the low brass and low woodwinds in the second. The trio features a smooth, legato melody in the clarinets and horns, followed by a melodic refrain in which every section has something important to say. Throughout the march, the percussionists have plenty to do on many different instruments, while the horns will be smiling quietly because they don't have to play any “after-beats!”