Beach 9

Beach 9, Kristin Kuster (2026) 5'
for wind ensemble

My husband and I go camping often, and I often write pieces about various outdoor spaces we enjoy. In author Sarah Kenzdior’s book “The Last American Road Trip” (go get the book, it’s beautiful, and beautifully written), she recommends that when we 7nd our perfect place, we tell no one where it is in order to keep it close.

Beach 9 is our perfect place.

To get to Beach 9, we climb an enormous dune (it’s a serious hike!), and when we reach the dune’s apex we either cry or exhale a big gratitude-7lled exhale, or both. As we descend the dune to the beach we acknowledge and are thankful for all of the rough winds, snow, and overturning of grasses Beach 9 endures.

We watch the water. We watch the sky. We watch the sun and/or the moon. We watch the wildlife. We watch the sand. It is lovely. It is full of unspeakable beauty. We love you, and thank you, Beach 9.

Wind Ensemble Instrumentation: Piccolo, Flute 1-2, Oboe 1-2, Clarinet in B-flat 1-3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon 1-2, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Horn 1-4, Trumpet in C 1-3, Trombone 1-2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium 1-2, Tuba, Piano, Percussion 1-3, Contrabass 1-2