In the Stillness was commissioned by Hudson Bend Middle School (Lake Travis, Texas). I had the opportunity to speak with the students at Hudson Bend multiple times during the writing process, particularly in the beginning phase. I asked the students what types of sounds and adventures they wanted to hear in the piece. One of the popular suggestions was about war.

I began the creative process for this piece with "The Book of Five Rings" by Miyamoto Musashi. The book explains the process of early Japanese warfare through five "books." These include different elements of battle: Ground, Water, Fire, Wind, and the Void. Through these teachings, Musashi defends his thesis that a "man who conquers himself is ready to take on the world, should the need arise."

The sound of battle often conjures up loud, sudden, and fast music. I was seeking a different way to present war; a more personal approach. When I read about Musashi's the Void, I was inspired by this statement: "When your spirit is not in the least clouded, when the clouds of bewilderment clear away, there is the true void." I associated this idea with meditation and the practice of clarity. The warrior will not attack until he reaches a sense of calm, a stillness where he gains his advantage against his opponent. While his opponent strikes furiously at him, he remains in meditation waiting for the right moment to act. And it is only once the warrior sees his path to victory that he will begin his fight.

In the Stillness is a work of measured growth. Harmonies slowly develop over time while melodies are presented as motivic threads. Ideas move between sections and the entire band. The blending of instrumental color by section or between sections is a style I call "organized color." The resulting sound is bright and surprising in timbre and texture.

Singing bowls are introduced as the first sound which reflects the Buddhist nature of Miyamoto Musashi's culture. Metal instruments such as copper bells and chimes are used throughout to create bright colors. These instruments are highlighted at the end of the piece which features a live wind chime. This is created by players in the percussion section entering at varied times depicting the idea of chance. Each player has several seconds that they may choose to enter which gives the piece a unique ending at every performance.