I’ve long had a quiet ambition to write more for young ensembles, though perhaps not in the way one might expect. My own aesthetic interests are dear to me, so rather than simplifying my style, I set myself a challenge: could I write something that fits comfortably alongside my other works, yet is accessible and rewarding for high school musicians?
For this piece, I wanted to offer students something that is approachable yet artistically challenging but still a chance to explore new techniques, pandiatonic harmonic palettes, and abstract, non-narrative structures. I also drew from memories of my own high school band and orchestra days: steady pulses, driving 7/8 and 5/8 grooves, and subtle “sound effects” that remain firmly rooted in a context familiar to young players. Working with the Lincoln Southwest High School Orchestra under the direction of my longtime friend Jacob Fahrlander was a joy. Jacob trusting me to create something worthwhile for his students, and me trusting his skill as a teacher was at the heart of this collaboration. The maturity and artistry of the students exceeded my expectations, and this experience has only deepened my eagerness to work with young musicians in the future.
