Shades of Green (2007)

“Shades of Green” was written for the
Prairie Wind Ensemble (IL), and was
inspired by a trip I took to Ireland in
2001. The is meant as a reference to the
appearance of Ireland from the air as you
fly into the country. The work employs
two Irish folk tunes – Bonny Light
Horseman, and lyrical tune first heard in the
piano and woodwinds at the beginning of the
piece, followed by a light and playful melody called
Green Bushes.

This theme is stated many times
throughout the faster sections of the work.
Both of these folk melodies are woven
together throughout the piece and have an
almost conversational quality in their
interaction. The melodies are set in a more
contemporary manner, joining the old and new renditions into an effective work for
winds and percussion.

Written for the Prairie Wind Ensemble, Robert Sheldon, director

Published by TRN Music