“Palustrus”, for percussion ensemble and band, is based on two musical ideas. The first, a figure of two 16th notes, is introduced alluding to tiny seedlings as they sprout from the fertile earth. This figure quickly grows in frequency and density, then spreads into the second idea using a series of diatonic patterns. “Palustrus” is a medium-difficult, but attainable technical challenge in a diatonic setting. Splashes of dissonance in the winds support the active and exciting percussion ensemble statements throughout. Highly recommended for programs with a larger percussion section!