Tradewinds is the exhilarating result of a collaboration between Winona State University, composer Stephen Mitton, and high school band students representing 14 Minnesota and Wisconsin high schools. Mitton held a mini-residency in Winona, MN in November 2019 during which students premiered the new work (commissioned specially for the event) alongside performances of two other works by the composer (Heroes! and Reverie) featuring student soloists. As a part of the residency, Mitton held interactive workshops, rehearsals, and dynamic Q&A sessions with honor band students.
"An adventurous and energetic concert band work, Tradewinds evokes a journey on the high seas through musical storytelling. The piece begins with slight breezes in the active mallet percussion and woodwind parts, moves through sections of brisk winds and treacherous storms, and even provides a sea-shanty or two when the winds stop blowing!"
"An adventurous and energetic concert band work, Tradewinds evokes a journey on the high seas through musical storytelling. The piece begins with slight breezes in the active mallet percussion and woodwind parts, moves through sections of brisk winds and treacherous storms, and even provides a sea-shanty or two when the winds stop blowing!"