Ataraxia

Ataraxia is a fantasia on a them written for Jack Knight. Jack is a high school junior with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It starts with a large brass chorale, explores several ideas and wraps up with a heroic statement of Jack's Theme. It ends with a crushingly loud sonority played in unison rhythm across the band as a triumphant celebration of Jack's spirit. It features tight syncopation, interesting modulations, exciting percussion, and sectional independence.The title, Ataraxia, symbolizes Jack's equanimity in the face of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the Knight family's search for peace. No child should have to face the endless medical interventions and challenges that Jack has experienced. The ever-shifting tonal and musical landscape in Ataraxia is similar to the rapid and devastating changes Jack has faced in his life and body.Though this music is more like an action movie (Jack does LOVE Star Wars after all), the definition of ataraxia is, "A state of freedom from emotional disturbance and anxiety; tranquility." The music treats the term as a process. By the end the listener, and Jack, have achieved ataraxia.Chase the Music commissioned Ataraxia for Standley Lake High School in Westminster, CO under the direction of Carissa Duran. The piece was premiered in February of 2018.