Sand and Scarabs

Sand and Scarabs opens in an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation, evoking the first sight of a vast desert expanse stretching toward the horizon. There is both wonder and urgency in this landscape: the sense of standing before something ancient, immense, and waiting to be uncovered.

As the music moves forward, it carries the listener across the desert toward a hidden burial place, where the promise of discovery draws nearer with each passing phrase. The eventual uncovering of the treasure brings a moment of awe and triumph, but the victory is short-lived. Once the treasure is taken, the atmosphere shifts, and the music is overtaken by danger, tension, and pursuit—as though the ancient site has awakened to protect what was never meant to be disturbed.

Written for developing wind band, Sand and Scarabs blends mystery, grandeur, and adventure into a vivid musical narrative. Through shifting colors, driving rhythms, and cinematic energy, the work invites performers and listeners into a world of ancient stone, desert winds, hidden riches, and the consequences of discovery.