A karesansui is a Japanese rock garden which is an enclosed shallow sandbox containing sand, gravel and rocks. The sea is symbolized, not by water but, by sand raked in patterns that suggest rippling water. Ripples in the Sand by David Marlatt is a short, peaceful work that is reflective and accessible to young musicians. The major pentatonic scale is used as the basis for this composition which creates an interesting texture and evokes the sound of an ancient Japanese folk song.