Caprice for Winds

Bursting with imagination and youthful energy, Caprice for Winds is a spirited miniature for young wind ensemble that captures the unpredictable wonder of childhood through colorful melodies, sudden mood shifts, and playful rhythmic drive. Bright Lydian harmonies and cartoon-like musical gestures create a sound world full of motion and excitement, while rapid changes in character encourage students to explore expressive playing and imaginative interpretation. Perfect for developing ensemble communication and musical flexibility, the work provides valuable opportunities to reinforce meter changes, rhythmic precision, articulation contrast, and quick stylistic transitions. Though lighthearted in spirit, the piece challenges performers to bring personality and theatricality to every phrase, rewarding ensembles that fully embrace its sense of fun and adventure. Energetic, whimsical, and highly engaging for both performers and audiences alike, Caprice for Winds makes an excellent concert opener or festival selection for developing bands seeking music with both educational value and memorable character. Caprice for Winds was commissioned through a collaboration with the Sing Me a Story Foundation, a nonprofit organization that pairs children facing serious medical challenges with composers and artists to transform the children’s original stories into works of music, film, and performance art. Through these creative collaborations, the organization seeks to amplify the voices and imaginations of children while fostering empathy and community through the arts. This work was inspired by the story of Ollie Rasberry, whose vivid imagination and adventurous spirit shaped the music’s energetic character. Fast-paced scenes from Ollie’s story - including an exciting race and a game in which the floor suddenly turns to lava - are reflected through rapid changes in mood, playful melodies, shifting meters, and animated rhythmic activity. The result is a colorful musical journey that celebrates childhood wonder, imagination, and boundless energy.