This piece was never meant to be written. After writing my first horn sonata in the summer of 2022, I thought it would be enough to stand on its own as my featured horn composition as part of my senior recital; however, as time passed, I grew indifferent to it. I knew I wanted to create something “better”.

This work could serve as the last piece I play as a solo horn player, marking what seems to be the pinnacle of my horn-playing journey that began in 5th grade when I was nine. This instrument has had me muttering under my breath so many times, but simultaneously has been so fulfilling. If it weren’t for my early love of the horn, I wouldn’t be going down the road of composition, and music in general, that I am now.

 I believe your first teachers are so consequential on an individual’s passion for anything in life, so this piece is dedicated to my two horn teachers, Dennis Nagamine (5th-12th grade) & Jenny Kim (Chapman University Undergrad), who have guided me on this unforgiving yet gratifying instrument for the past twelve years.

From Thomas’s Program Note