Wasteland of Wind - for five percussionists

This piece was composed in 2008 for an in-school ensemble contest and recital. The original concept was to create a piece for a junior percussion quintet where the members were of different grades and skill levels, so the parts were designed to match each individual's ability. This means the difficulty varies by part (2nd, 3rd, and 4th parts are set at a higher difficulty, while 1st and 5th parts are set lower). The motif is "wind," expressing the journey the "wind" itself takes, emerging from nowhere and blowing through, from its own perspective. At times, it is on a high plateau overlooking the sea; at other times, in the midst of ominous purple clouds; and yet again, in a barren wasteland. Thus, the wind continues its aimless wandering, not knowing where it is headed. Becoming a gentle breeze that softly sways someone's hair, or a storm that fells trees and houses, it still seeks out beautiful, unseen landscapes.