Performed by The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Wind Ensemble, conducted by Thomas Seddon

“A musician named Gawvi once said that all music is lights and smoke; it is ethereal. Music becomes a play of the bright and mysterious to take us away from reality for a small time. Gawvi was referring to the bright lights and smoke machines that accompany many popular and hip-hop concerts and make music an experience for all senses. Growing up in Atlanta, I was raised on hip-hop, R&B, and Gospel music. Those genres are a major influence on how I listen to and appreciate music. While the classical concert hall does not usually bring to mind bright lights and smoke-filled stages, it does have the ability to transcend reality. Together, elements from hip hop and classical music combine to form Lights and Smoke, written for wind ensemble.”

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Duration – 8 minutes

Commissioned by Thomas Seddon for The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Wind Ensemble in 2017

Premiered on February 23, 2018 by the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Wind Ensemble at the North Central Conference of the College Band Directors National Association in Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI