Toward the Sunrising seeks to capture the optimistic, confident spirit that is evident in young people as they accept the challenges and opportunities of beginning life's journey. It is dedicated to the teachers and parents who have helped shape, guide and mold their students' lives, and to those same young people who have prepared themselves for life's adventure. The piece opens with a majestic fanfare reflecting the mood and general style of the composition, then immediately changes direction through the unfolding of a lively and energetic scherzo. Toward the end the opening fanfare returns, juxtaposed with motifs and melodies from the scherzo.