![[Dragon Lord.jpg]] # Program Notes by [[Randall Standridge]] A few years back, I created a narrative work for concert band entitled *The Darklands Symphony*, which told the tale of several characters and places that I have created over the years in my imagination through stories, art, and finally, music. All of the pieces were at the Grade 2-2.5 level, and were very well received. I thought I was done with the Darklands. I was wrong. New stories and new figures have populated that world and I felt drawn to the subject matter again. Thus, we are beginning a whole new volume, titled *Tales from the Darklands*. Unlike the Symphony, the "Tales" series will not be one long story but, rather, small individual tales that give more back story and depth to the Darklands Universe. Also the entire "Tales" series will be written at the Grade 1-1.5 level, opening up the Darklands to a whole new level of players. **The Dragon Lord** is a mythical figure from the Darklands, who is said to live in the mountains that border the kingdom. His shadow is occasionally glimpsed flying above the clouds, and, more often, his lonely, terrifying roar can be heard echoing from the ebony cliffs where only fools would dare to go. In this piece, we come face to face with this monstrous giant in all of his fury and power. ### Comments from Mr. Windsor This piece was first heard by our current Grade 9s at a festival in the 2023-2024 school year, and they truly enjoyed listening to it, however they have developed to a different level of music making, and so have passed to torch to the current Grade 8s. I have come to truly appreciate [[Randall Standridge]] as a like-minded musician. Much of his work revolves around the same passions I hold; love, equality and, as you can see in this piece, Dungeons and Dragons. Although Randy has a story in mind, our students are able to adopt his music and begin to tell their own version of the story. His music helps students share the best of themselves.