Program Note: Dawn Hochsprung was an incredible person I had the fortune of meeting when I was a student at Roger’s Park Middle School from 2000- 2003, where she was an assistant principal. I worked with both her and her husband, George, as a member of National Junior Honor Society. When the tragic events occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012, I, like everyone else in the Danbury area, was shocked and deeply saddened. The Hochsprungs had always stuck out in my mind as not just outstanding teachers, but some of the most caring, genuine, and positive people that I had come across during my time growing up in Danbury. I felt immediately compelled to write something for George and also for the other families who lost loved ones.

I titled the piece Dawn not simply because it is dedicated to her, but because the nature of Dawn’s actions on the day of shooting are the inspiration for the character of this piece. When she became aware that her school was in danger, her immediate response was to protect the children of the school. She put herself in harm’s way in an entirely selfless act in an effort to save the lives of her students. Her legacy is one of selflessness, positivity, and extraordinary courage. This piece celebrates that legacy.

Commisioned By: Dedicated to Dawn Hochsprung, the other twenty-five victims of the Sandy Hook shooting, and their families.

Premiere: The Chelsea Symphony led by Ankush Bahl. Subsequent performances by the American Composers Orchestra led by George Manahan, the Atlantic Music Festival Orchestra led by Phillip Lenberg, the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra led by Yuga Cohler, the Bowling Green Statue University Symphony Orchestra led by Emily Brown, and the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra led by Gerard Schwarz.