Scherzo was commissioned by Dr. Matthew George and the University of St. Thomas Concert Band and premiered by that ensemble on May 14, 1995. The form of the composition Is a semi-traditional scherzo with trio. The opening material Is provided by the clarinets as a subdued, undulating chordal pattern. A sprightly melody emerges from the chordal pattern in the flutes and clarinets and gradually builds In Intensity. The brass presents a second theme, more vigorous and powerful in nature, which combines with the woodwind melody to create the initial climax for the opening portion of the composition. The trio section, in true trio form, features the flute, marimba and string bass in a tranquil interlude, before developing to a second climax. The opening material is heard again in exact repetition, followed by a lengthy coda. Within the coda, some members of the band continue playing together at the same tempo while the conductor directs the others in a slower restatement of the original theme. The final section of the coda concludes with triumphant sounds of the original melody played by the full band only to fade away to the gentle hush of the clarinets’ chordal pattern restated from the beginning of the piece.