A years-long dream came true on October 21st when a grant from the Arts Council for Wyoming County made it possible for ANT Alliance to commission Ross Chua, who holds a Masters degree from Newhouse School at Syracuse University, to compose a piece of music which can be played using only the three instruments at the Trail’s Music Circle.  Ross engaged music educators Melanie Case and Matthew Nordhausen to join him in rehearsing, then performing the composition at an ANTiversary celebration which was videotaped by Ceddie Wap Productions.  An explanation of how Ross was inspired to write the music follows.  
 

“For the Autism Nature Trail” (2023)
a musical composition for The Music Circle in 3 movements composed by Ross Chua, commissioned by ANT Alliance, Inc.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of NYSCA with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Arts Council for Wyoming County.

Dedicated to Kian Chua and the many others who enjoy The ANT and its interactive stations

This music highlights a selection of the wonderful stations along The Autism Nature Trail and encapsulates the experience of visiting and enjoying those stations. The first movement, “Meadow Run and Climb,” evokes the off-kilter feeling when you first step on one of those balance beams and evolves throughout to reflect the growing sense of confidence as you find your footing.

“Reflection Knoll” starts with a serene and meditative ostinato, (a short, repeated musical sequence), and it plays with the double entendre of the word “reflections” with a melody which reverses itself halfway through the piece.

Finally, “Playful Path” represents the sensation of tearing headfirst around the loops and—of course—is quite playful.

Each movement features one of the three instruments of the Music Circle prominently, allowing the audience to hear the unique character of each. Overall, the piece is a tribute to the wonderful offerings of The ANT.