Commissioned by the Sioux Falls Municipal Band, "Prairie Wonder" musically depicts the sunrise over a prairie pothole, a glacial feature indicative of the upper Midwest. Starting in darkness, the flute trill represents shimmering moonlight, while other instruments relay pre-dawn sounds. The unseen sun approaches the horizon as the bass line rises

Commissioned by the Sioux Falls Municipal Band, "Prairie Wonder" musically depicts the sunrise over a prairie pothole, a glacial feature indicative of the upper Midwest. Starting in darkness, the flute trill represents shimmering moonlight, while other instruments relay pre-dawn sounds. The unseen sun approaches the horizon as the bass line rises and the birds become vocal. Just before the first rays of dawn, a solo piccolo performs an ancient melody, harkening to the timelessness of the ritual. Light and darkness mix as the musical texture thickens. A brass chorale depicts the first rays of sun as the themes unite and the wind begins to blow. The piccolo gently culminates the piece with its now nostalgic melody. Medium Difficult - Difficult 4'39"