Cait Nishimura (b. 1991) is a Canadian composer based in Waterloo, Ontario. She was also an instrumental music educator before committing herself to composing full time. She has written for many genres, including chamber and choral works, often inspired by her love of nature and the outdoors. She rose to prominence in the wind band world thanks to her win in the 2017 Canadian Band Association Composition Competition for Chasing Sunlight. She is also the co-host, with Dylan Maddix, of the Band Room Podcast. See more about her at her website, the Association of Canadian Women Composers, and the Wind Repertory Project.
Nishimura wrote In Dreams to fulfill a commission from 38 schools led by Patrick Murphy at the University of Portland. Her program notes (from both the score and her website):
In Dreams explores the powerful and surreal experience of the crossover between dreams and reality. With subtle shifts in colour and texture, tender and soaring melodies, and driving ostinatos, the piece introduces intermediate to advanced bands to elements of minimalism and provides musical challenges for all sections of the ensemble. In Dreams takes players and listeners on an emotional and musical journey full of hope and yearning, from deep sleep to a world of dreams and back again.
A performance from an excellent high school band:
She also produced a teaser for the piece as it was coming together:
In Dreams pops up on Murphy Music Press, Oregon Music News, and the Wind Repertory Project.