In the fall of 2018, friend and colleague Justin Evangelist approached me to write a solo work for Alto Saxophone and Piano. I was somewhat reluctant to work on a solo work since I had recently finished a tuba and piano solo weeks prior. However, the potential for exploration of this instrument gave me a newfound excitement. Being that this was going to be my first engagement writing for this instrument outside of a concert band setting, I consulted with Associate professor of Saxophone at the University of Akron Dr. Todd Gaffke about some of the techniques and limitations of the instrument.
Growing up in a suburb of Akron, Ohio (Wadsworth), Akron has always been a place of fascination for its historical roots. During the time of writing (and the publishing of this work), Akron was going through a major and much-needed downtown renovation. The city’s slogan being, AKRON: A CITY MOVING FORWARD. This inspirational and optimistic motto blossomed into becoming the inspiration behind the music.