"Finding My Way" explores a musical theme as if it were conscious and questioning "who am I"? There is a slow, mysterious, and questioning introduction before the theme begins to figure itself out. The theme begins to slowly unfold and "find itself" a little more with each repetition. Beginning slowly and softly, becoming quicker and more self-confident each time it returns. The journey of the theme is briefly interrupted as if it questions the direction it is taking before returning strong and self-assured. Then, satisfied, the mood changes as if the anxiety has lifted and the music feels at home. We are all constantly "finding our way" through daily struggles and challenges. Each experience shapes us and influences our decisions moving forward. In this piece, you will find a few things that have influenced me and helped me to find my way. I have tried to represent them in this short solo by hinting at the spirit of their influence upon me. The opening is suggestive of one of my favorite TV show opening themes. The constantly evolving phrasing of the main theme was inspired by a particularly influential lesson with my undergraduate percussion teacher, Sherri Dees. There is a short section inspired by one of Claire Omar Musser's preludes. Then, finally, at the end of the solo, when the music is relaxed and feels more at "home", the mood is reminiscent of a much beloved power ballad from one of my favorite hair bands of the 80s. "Finding My Way" is written to be very listenable to the audience as well as challenging to the performer. The effectiveness of the piece will be determined by the ability of the performer to use musical inflection to convey gradually increasing interest and intensity in the repeating theme. Therefore, the real difficulty is not in the learning of the notes and techniques but rather in the musicianship applied to the notes on the page to give them momentum and musicality.

- Bruce Salyers