“In The Center Ring” was written in the autumn of 2003 for the Upper Antioch Grade School Band from Antioch, Illinois, Earl Bush, director. The piece is a musical snapshot of a circus performance, from the madcap antics of the jugglers and clowns to the elegance of the high-wire and trapeze performers. This wild musical romp is certainly a technical challenge, but is also great fun for the performer and listener alike.