Composed in 2025 for the wind ensemble of Mishima Minami Junior High School (Director: Sota Minami), where I serve as an instructor. The work was premiered by eight band members (2 Trp., 2 Hr., Trb., Euph., 2 Tubas) at the 2025 Ensemble Contest. Although every performer was a first-year junior high school student at the time, they supported one another throughout the rehearsal process and delivered a performance that was both energetic and refreshingly expressive.
The title reflects both the enthusiasm of young students taking their first steps toward a bright future and the musical imagery of daybreak.
The suite has three movements, each based on a classical dance style. While brass ensemble repertoire includes many works in these traditional dance forms, such repertoire can sometimes be challenging for developing ensembles because of its instrumentation and technical demands. This work was therefore conceived as an introductory piece, offering young players an accessible opportunity to explore and perform classical dance styles.
To encourage musical growth, performance indications such as dynamics, articulation, -including the treatment of musical figures- have been intentionally kept to a minimum. An important part of performing this work is for the players to understand characteristic styles, consider what musical expression is most appropriate, and shape the music through their own thoughtful interpretation.
It is my hope that this experience will extend beyond this work, inspiring performers to explore music from various periods and styles while considering the background and distinctive character of each work they perform.
The original premiere version was scored for eight brass players, including two tubas. For this published edition, an optional tuba part has been added, allowing the work to be performed effectively as a standard brass septet with a single tuba.

(Shuhei Tamura)