Trainwreck, for horn octet by Eric On

Trainwreck for horn octet, by Eric On was composed over the course of Christmas Break in 2024. The title has no deeper meaning beyond reflecting my state at the time—I was battling COVID during a season meant for rest, family, and celebration. Unable to play my instrument, I channeled my energy into writing this piece, capturing the experience of feeling simultaneously exhausted, feverish, and interrupted by relentless coughing fits. In fact, it was my own mother who took one look at me and declared, “You look like a trainwreck.”
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This piece was written for Florida State University’s (FSU) Horn Choir and officially premiered at the National Music Festival 2025 during its Brass Festival Concert, featuring that year’s Horn Apprentices.