Quantum Mechanics

About This Piece:

I composed this piece as part of an honors project in my horn studio class. One of the primary ideas for this composition was the use of polyrhythm, with a particular emphasis on the overlapping of 6/8 and 3/4 time. The title, "Quantum Mechanics," refers to the scientific idea that a system can exist in multiple states simultaneously until a measurement is made. Similarly, the main theme of this piece is both in 6/8 and 3/4 simultaneously, while the episodic sections explore duple and triple rhythmic ideas individually. "Quantum Mechanics" was premiered by horn players Elie Cavazos, Sean Wright, Quinton Hess, Hunter Johanson, Cyena Ulloa, John Danz, Bennet Lammers, and Thomas Hibbeler on February 21, 2026 in the Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts for the "Afternoon of Brass" concert.