The commission story was compiled primarily through interviews between the author and Joan Tower, and between the author and Jack Stamp, a pivotal figure in leading the project to fruition. Tower's compositional procedures were examined, and the creation and revision phases of this work were considered within the context of those procedures.

Separate chapters contain three analyses of Fascinating Ribbons . Each type of analysis recognizes eight formal divisions in the work, and presents material in a chronological format. In the descriptive, graphic, and imagery analyses, the author combined subjective and objective approaches. Descriptive terms were assigned to numerous motives and rhythmic and melodic patterns.

Fascinating Ribbons was Joan Tower's first composition for wind band. The purpose of this study was to analyze the work, and to examine the commissioning and compositional events leading up to its premiere. The study is additionally intended to serve as a reference for the conducting community.

Transcripts for the Tower and Stamp interviews appear in appendixes.