Dreams of a Faded Wonder
Since my grandmother passed in 2020, I’ve realized how easily time can be cut short for anyone, whether in an instant or gradually over the years. There simply wasn’t enough time left. It was my first experience losing a close family member, and I was overcome with grief along with my family.
I knew that one day I wanted to write a piece for my grandmother, but at the time I didn’t feel musically or emotionally mature enough to do so. Now it’s 2025, five years after her passing, and I sit here in my second year of college, finishing a work that encompasses a vast array of my emotions.
I often reminisce about my childhood when I would see my grandparents regularly, spending afternoons in their company and getting to see them every week. Looking back, I realize how much I took those moments for granted. It’s honestly difficult to put into words here.
So, I’ll leave it at this: I dedicate this piece, Dreams of a Faded Wonder, to my grandmother, who helped begin my musical journey at a young age, something that has become such an integral part of my life. Thank you for everything.
Premiere performance on September 25th, 2026 by USC Thornton Winds.
Instrumentation
1 – Piccolo
2 – Flute 1 (div. a2)
2 – Flute 2 (Flute 2b doubling Alto Flute) (div. a2)
1 – Oboe 1
1 – Oboe 2
1 – English Horn
1 – Bassoon 1
1 – Bassoon 2
1 – Contrabassoon
1 – E♭ Clarinet
3 – B♭ Clarinet 1
3 – B♭ Clarinet 2
3 – B♭ Clarinet 3
2 – E♭ Alto Clarinet
2 – B♭ Bass Clarinet
1 – E♭ Contra-alto Clarinet
1 – B♭ Contrabass Clarinet
1 – E♭ Octocontra-alto Clarinet (opt.)
1 – B♭ Soprano Saxophone
1 – E♭ Alto Saxophone
1 – B♭ Tenor Saxophone
1 – E♭ Baritone Saxophone
1 – B♭ Bass Saxophone
1 – B♭ Trumpet 1
1 – B♭ Trumpet 2
1 – B♭ Trumpet 3 (doubling B♭ Flugelhorn)
1 – F Horn 1
1 – F Horn 2
1 – F Horn 3
1 – F Horn 4
1 – Trombone 1 (Alto)
1 – Trombone 2 (Tenor)
1 – Trombone 3 (Tenor)
1 – Bass Trombone (opt. doubling Contrabass Trombone)
1 – Euphonium
1 – Tuba 1 (Bass)
1 – Tuba 2 (Contrabass)
1 – Timpani
1 – Percussion 1: Marimba, Crotales, Suspended Cymbal, Tam-tam, Drum Set
1 – Percussion 2: Glockenspiel, Wind Machine, Hi-hat
1 – Percussion 3: Vibraphone, Whirly Tube (E3 fundamental), Suspended Cymbal, Ratchet
1 – Percussion 4: Tam-tam, Mark Tree, Ride Cymbal, Whirly Tube (B3 fundamental), Bass Drum
1 – Harp
Additional Parts:
1 – F Basset Horn
