Inner Child

Inner Child

clarinet, horn, percussion

composed 2026

Composer’s Note

Inner Child is written to reflect the joyful, curious, and creative mind that we closely associate with young children, but one which is also hidden deep inside adults.The composer wishes that those who hear this piece is reminded of the fun adventures of childhood and feels a warm, fuzzy, and somewhat giddy sensation of which they can lead their life – the world can still in fact been seen through a rose-colored lens that a child would see it in. 

This piece builds on a single four note motif that is expanded, inverted, and moved around in conversation. The motif appears first in the first measure, first beat of the piece. The predictive nature of the motif reflects the simple and pure tendencies of a child. As the motif is expanded on, the composition develops in a near “stream of thought” fashion. Introductions of the same motif in different registers captures the listener’s attention, similar to how a child’s attention is quickly pulled to something else. Starting at rehearsal letter B, the mood of the piece switches from whimsical and joyful to mischievous and explorative, much like a child exploring their new play fortress. This section features a new melody, although still incorporating the main motif. Beginning at rehearsal F, the melodies of the various sections are combined until the piece finally returns back to the main theme at the beginning at rehearsal G.