After being inspired by the idea of creating music that makes people braver, the main melody of Unbroken came to me as a soft, timid, but determined war cry. When a close friend suggested I try writing theme songs for board games, I started picturing a pawn’s perspective on the front lines of a chess board, about to face off in a battle with much stronger pieces.

In this work, I strive to capture the unnerving calm before the storm, the doubts, the uncertainties, and the subsequent mustering of strength and acceptance of the challenge at hand. The piece later began to resonate with me and served as a reminder of courage as I dealt with my own uncertainties. My hope is that the piece will have the same effect on its musicians and listeners. No matter the battle, we will emerge unfazed, unbowed, and…unbroken.