Terminal Velocity

Terminal Velocity (2026):

Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone and Cajon

Duration: 5 minutes

Program Notes: "Terminal Velocity was written for Preston Hernandez in March, 2026, and it was inspired by two concepts: the "call of the void" and terminal velocity. The "call of the void" is a phenomenon that involves the urge people sometimes get to jump from a high place when standing close to the ledge. Terminal velocity is the maximum speed that something can reach when falling. This piece tells the story of someone walking up to a high ledge and feeling this "call of the void" before jumping off, reaching terminal velocity as they fall."

Premiered by Preston Hernandez and Ethan Strunc at the LSU Undergraduate Composition Recital on April 13, 2026.