What is it about squirrels that seems so humorous? They have a certain quirkiness, shown by their rigid, lightning-fast and unpredictable movements. They have a sort of militaristic personality as well; like small, furry, four-legged soldiers, they are alert, always on the move, always prepared to react if startled. They can also look suspicious at times, as though they are plotting against us humans who savagely crush their acorns and get in their way. Does that curious look not seem as though they are spying? They could be tricking us into thinking they are innocent as they sit on their hind legs in the grass, mindlessly nibbling an acorn ... carefully watching our every move. As soon as our suspicions rise, they dash off, running through fields and climbing up trees, minding their own business ... until the next human comes along.

David M. Sterrett (b. 1988) began playing the trumpet and composing at the age of 11. He received degrees in trumpet performance and music composition from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and is pursuing a Master of Music degree in trumpet performance at the New England Conservatory of Music. His published portfolio ranges from unaccompanied solo pieces to chamber works to full orchestra scores, and film scores.