As the title suggests, "Starlight Wink" is a piece for small ensemble, the theme is stars shining and twinkling in the night sky.
There is not a second part for the wind instrument parts so that small bands of about 10 can play the piece. Therefore, 13 to 15 players (with the two optional parts: baritone saxophone and Perc. 4, which plays the suspended cymbal), can play the piece.
The piece is in a ternary form: A-B-A (fast - slow - fast), with A depicting twinkling stars in a bright and lively tone, and B representing the vast night sky full of stars. In the A' section with fast-tempo, the theme of A is again played gorgeously on the solo xylophone, and the melody of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" appears majestically with the theme of this piece in the ending.
This piece was premiered by Oumu Junior High School Wind Orchestra at the Hokkaido Band Competition in Kitami in August 2013.

(Shin'ya Takahashi)