Attending a workshop in New York City, Lias took an evening excursion to the American Ballet Theatre, where he was exposed to what he terms "the evocative and inflammatory music of the tarantella." This art form captured his imagination, and he has crafted a wind ensemble dance of punchy rhythms and swirling touches. Tarantella was commissioned for the Stephen F. Austin Wind Ensemble and was premiered by those forces under the baton of Fred J. Allen at the 2008 TMEA annual convention. A recording of the premiere performance can be heard at their website.