Piece of Mind Dana Wilson

In this ingenious and significant work, Dr. Wilson explores the various thought processes (or lack thereof) that we as individuals encounter every second. The merest random thought (a musical motif) grows into a chain of thoughts (musical development), sometimes going far afield from the original thought, sometimes evoking a multitude of emotions. Finally, such thoughts, if we let them, can transcend logic and normal feelings leading, in this case, to musical discovery of self and our role as beings. In four movements, with much independence of lines and some great ensemble passages, this is a thought-provoking and rewarding work for players and audiences. This composition won composition prizes from the Sousa Foundation and the ABA/Ostwald competition.