This work was commissioned for John Nista, director of Ramblewood Middle School bands in Coral Springs, Florida, through the generosity of the J.P. Taravella High School Band and Orchestra Patrons (Neil Jenkins, director), for outstanding achievements and contributions to music education. Raiders of the High Seas is a fast-paced work that, like the ocean, is always moving, developing, and changing. There is one rhythmic theme and three main melodic themes (measures 9, 21, and 41) that are used extensively throughout the piece. Much emphasis is placed on intervallic movement within these themes. (Jumps of 4ths and 5ths are common.) These intervals are maintained without sacrificing the lyrical qualities of the melodies.