Invictus was composed in February 2023 for Jessica Payne. The work begins with the sounds of marimba, conga drums, shakers, and windchimes to set the mood. There is a slight dissonance to create a gentle tension that serves as a symbol of pain and the strength needed to keep “going on.” The role of the second euphonium is to serve as a support to the other part (the role of a teacher). The trading passages that cross each other are a symbol of conversation and teaching (the second euphonium always goes first and “leads the way). The middle section has powerful independent melodic lines with musical advice such as “lead on” and “on a mission.” These melodies represent growth and power as the tension is in the past. The work ends with a tiny hint of tension to symbolize upcoming change and hopes that the tension will soon be forever gone. – Gail Robertson