White on Black, so named because it was written by a white person in a style inspired by the black jazz tradition, is a concerto for saxophone quartet and concert band. Each of the four saxes has its own personality: the soprano sax is high strung and somewhat neurotic, the alto sax mellow and a smooth talker, the tenor sax light hearted and a bit of a clown, and the baritone sax a jock with swaggering bravado. These personalities identify themselves at the opening of the piece and are introduced by the full ensemble playing the work's main theme, a rhythmic, big band style tutti. The ensemble remarks to each other as each sax makes its appearance, like spectators watching a parade. The main theme reappears in a rondo-like form, separating the various solo sections and closing the work.
-Victoria Bond