Back of the Bus pays tribute to Rosa Parks' courageous fight for civil rights, which changed the course of history. The piece employs various musical episodes to represent the struggles, pain, fight for justice, and ultimately, the hope that emerged from those challenging times. The music progresses from a darker, more somber tone to a brighter and more hopeful sound, reflecting the journey from oppression to liberation. This abstract representation of the struggle for freedom is brought to life through the interplay of different musical colors and textures. Back of the Bus was commissioned by the Women's Wind Ensemble after winning their prestigious Women of Note Composition Competition.