Dennis Alexander's The Carolinas is a musical vision of North and South Carolina. The three movements represent distinct characteristics of these states. The suite begins with "Dogwoods in Bloom, " a tribute to the state flower of North Carolina. This colorful movement recreates the sound of the red cardinal (North Carolina's state bird) on the piano, signaling the bloom of the beautiful dogwood blossoms. South Carolina is highlighted in the second movement, "Dancin' the Myrtle Beach Shag, " a lively rendition of this famous dance style. Both states are featured in "Storm on the Carolina Coast." This final movement captures the power, fury and drama of an impending storm bearing down on the coasts of North and South Carolina.