For Rest (Woodwind Quintet)

At the time when I wrote this piece. I was very discouraged with my own writing. I felt like writing wasn't something that came naturally to me. I was putting in all this work and not getting the results that I wanted. I questioned whether writing music was what God intended me to do or if I was meant for a career in music at all. I would spend many late nights laboring over simple melodies, doubting my own intuition and musical inclinations.

After several weeks of frustration, I came to realize that much of my struggle was due to my lack of rest. I still have this problem even in my later years in college, often sacrificing my own well being for what I think will be success. When I reach my breaking point. I often find peace by hiking in the Glendora mountains just behind my home. I'm fortunate to live in a place with a forest and a running stream, where I can walk my dogs and escape the pressures of college.

I completed this piece during my sophomore year of college, and it has since become one of my favorites of my college compositions. Returning to it after two years, I'm almost amazed at how I wrote it in the first place. I consider this some of my best thematic writing, as well as a meaningful exploration of rhythm and meter. I titled the piece For Rest not only as a tribute to the peaceful landscapes that inspire me, but also as a personal reminder to make room for rest and reflection in the creative process.