The Serpent of Silver Lake

The Serpent of Silver Lake, op. 282 
Perry Community Band, Perry New York 
Raymond J. Suriani, Director  
2026 – grade 4 – 5:55

COMING SOON!

A dark and sinister fanfare opens the piece before quickly subsiding into a moment of quiet anxiety as the serpent moves silently below the surface of the lake. Following the initial suspense, a fast-paced main theme takes over as the mighty creature surfaces and races through the water, striking fear into the local residents. The momentum eventually yields as the serpent dives back beneath the waves, leading to a lyrical section that depicts the serene beauty of Silver Lake. However, the peace is short-lived as the serpent rises again for one final terrorizing appearance driving the music toward a dramatic and stirring conclusion.

 The tale of the Silver Lake Sea Serpent transports listeners to Perry, New York, in the summer of 1855, capturing one of the most famous and imaginative hoaxes in American history. Designed to boost local tourism and bring business to the Walker Hotel, the "monster" was the brainchild of hotel owner Artemus B. Walker. Working in secret inside an old tannery, Walker and his associates constructed a 60-foot creature out of coiled wire, waterproof canvas, and paint. The beast was operated from the shoreline using air bellows and an elaborate underwater gas pipe system.

 The spectacle began on July 13, 1855, when a group of unsuspecting fishermen reported a massive, scaly serpent emerging from the depths of Silver Lake. The sighting sparked an immediate national media frenzy, drawing thousands of curious visitors and journalists to the town. The grand illusion lasted until 1857, when a sudden fire tore through the attic of the Walker Hotel, exposing the charred wire and canvas framework of the mechanical beast to the world.

Today, the spirit of the serpent lives on as a beloved piece of local folklore. The community of Perry continues to celebrate this lighthearted deception through regional heritage events, annual parades, and "Cecil," a prominent wooden sculpture of the serpent that stands at Silver Lake. This composition captures the mystery, the mechanical ingenuity, and the playful charm of a town that successfully tricked the nation.

 When I was invited to write a piece for the Perry Community Band, I could not resist the opportunity to write about this very unique aspect of their community’s history.  I hope audiences enjoy the music as much as the story that inspired it!