“Swell Lines”, named with a nod to surfing, is a short, rhythmically-challenging piece for string orchestra and soloists suitable for advanced high school players. Characterized by pizzicato ostinati, stringent harmonies reminiscent of Astor Piazolla, and contrasting lyric sections which balance lyrical solos for each desk (except the contrabass, sorry basses!), the divisi strings also explore their higher ranges with harmonics. Towards the end of this wave- and ocean bird-inspired piece, the music heads towards a musical cliff (not unlike the Kīlauea, Kauaʻi cliff which inspired the music) and eventually finds a resolution. Be ready to count!