When I was a high school senior in Salt Lake City, I participated in a state-wide academic competition, where each school would nominate a “Sterling Scholar” in subjects like Math, History, or Language Arts. I was selected as my school’s Music scholar. Among other elements of the competition, I had an interview with a panel of judges. I only remember one question: “Who is your favorite composer?” I immediately responded, “Alan Menken.” It was 1994, and I was thoroughly obsessed with the music of “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” and especially “Beauty and the Beast.” It wasn’t till I was on my way home that it dawned on me they were looking for an answer like “Beethoven” or “Tchaikovsky.” But I stood by my answer. I still absolutely love Menken’s music.  This is my first arrangement of an Alan Menken song.  To see his name next to mine at the top still gives me chills.  And what a song – an anthem of hope, change, and perseverance, suitable for contest.