Chiaroscuro: Symphonic Dances in Shades of Darkness and Light was written in the summer of 2001 for the Tara Winds of Atlanta, Georgia, and their conductor, Dr. David Gregory. The first performance took place at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, with the composer conducting. Chiaroscuro is comprised of four interconnected dance-like movements that portray various dance gestures. The first movement is dark and menacing; the second depicts a dreamy forest scene; the third movement has a jazz and Latin influence; the final movement is comprised of a joyous tarantella that increases in tempo until its tumultuous ending.