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.