In the Shadow of Tulum was composed in response to my impressions of the ancient ruins of Tulum, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, after a visit to the site in 2000. The intense blue of the Caribbean, fractured ruins, monolithic temples, and mysterious images of the “descending god” all lend a part in the works structure but, the gradual change of color, light, and shadow as the tropical day wore on inspire the true “language” of the piece. In the Shadow of Tulum is dedicated to Lt. Cmd. John Pastin and the Rowan University Wind Ensemble and is written out of respect for and admiration of the Mayan people and their culture.