Mediterranean Dance Sequence (2005)

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Mediterranean Dance Sequence is a four movement work, played without pause. The inspiration was the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the University of Oklahoma Bands. This band program has a rich history, with particular growth in the past 50 years. “Flagship” programs like the one in Norman, Oklahoma develop over time and establish fine reputations by respecting their roots and embracing the positive elements that come from producing a high-quality product for audiences and high-quality experiences for band members over an extended period of time.


Structurally, Mediterranean Dance Sequence is in four short movements, each with a characteristic style, but unified by a minor modality. The opening includes a fanfare-like figure that unifies the movement at the beginning and end along with a fiery (yet not too fast) minor theme and commencement-like regal melody. The second movement reflects a soloistic character that leads to the energetic three-part third movement in 6/8 time. The final movement is a furious dance in the original minor mode, briefly reflecting back to the regal theme of the opening before moving excitedly beyond to the conclusion.