Qualia Memoriam (2026) by J.G. Miller '06E World Premiere performance featuring MSG J.G. Miller, SSG Morgan Chalmers, and Col. Ted Price, solo horns; and Logan Wadley, tuba *** On September 11, 2026, Eastman School of Music presented a concert in honor of those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were changed, by the September 11 attacks of 2001. At the center of this 25th anniversary remembrance was the Eastman Horn Choir, a 26-student ensemble led by Peter Kurau ’74E, professor of horn. The concert also featured Eastman alumni who now serve in the U.S. Army, including Colonel Ted Price ’97E and Army Field Band members Master Sergeant J.G. Miller ’06E and Staff Sergeant Morgan Chalmers ’25E. *** Notes on "Qualia Memoriam" from the composer: The title reflects on three solo voices, all who experienced the tragedy in different ways; one who was already serving would soon deploy later to combat, another who was in high school not knowing what would come of the world, and a third who only has memories through hearing the story from others – having never truly experienced it firsthand. Two of the solo voices begin the work, with their own intertwining thoughts as the third joins a choir of nostalgia, followed by an unravelling, and a return to the trio together signaling hope through their own service, ultimately leaving only the third voice to carry onwards. The piece was influenced by the musical selections of the last 24 years of 9/11 memorials, including Mahler, Copland, Randall Thompson, and popular folk tunes. The idea of “qualia” has been discussed throughout philosophy, arising first in concept by John Locke and René Descartes, though not expressly named until 1866 by C.S. Peirce. Within the scope of this work, it is interpreted as “a qualitative experience that cannot be adequately expressed through a simple hearing of a story.” It is the involvement of others in the choir, through a section of multiple short cadenzas, that keeps the essence of the memoriam. This personal contribution allows both audience and performers to reflect on how the world changes before, during, and after their lives. An appropriate adage, adapted over millennia in pedagogy, is “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” This piece was composed for the City of Rochester’s 25th Memorial of 9/11 at the Eastman School of Music.