New Mexico has been a Spiritual Home for me ever since I met the Souls of Bataan. When I was recently conducting the New Mexico All-State Band, a gentleman came up to me and said, "Querencia!" That's what you're asking from the kids!"

He explained that "Querencia" is the word shouted out as the bull got closest to the bullfighter. It is the idea of COURAGE, but Courage as a function of how close one allows Danger to get near.

In that Real Life closeness to Danger and in that Metaphor, this work is humbly offered as a fun gift to the young Musicians who will explore it and render it!