Reflecting a sailor's desire for full sails and calm seas, Fair Winds opens with a rhythmic and jaunty theme that is later contrasted with smooth, flowing sections. Throughout the piece, there is an ever-present pulse of forward motion-even during the expressive and lyrical section that precedes a return to the initial thematic material. The piece concludes with winds and percussion joining in a powerful finale. Fair Winds will work well for concert or contest, and will keep performers and audience members fully engaged from first note to last.