Known for its incredibly vast size, Lake Michigan has been rumored to be the home of mysterious and undefined mythical creatures. Many have reported their haunting encounters which has led to illustrations and thrilling theories of what lurks beneath the surface. This folklore, paired with Lake Michigan’s history of frozen ice patches, served as the inspiration for Under the Ice. The opening aims to evoke a sense of mystery and anticipation, while subtle harmonies and eerie textures set the scene for an impending encounter. Without warning, the ice gives way to the creature’s emergence. From there, the music erupts into a frantic chase sequence with relentless rhythms based on the opening’s original theme. The remainder of the work propels the listener forward in a desperate attempt to evade the jaws of the mysterious beast.

Under the Ice was commissioned by and dedicated to the Mequon-Thiensville Middle School Symphonic Band (WI) and their director, Brad Feigles, Director.