Dream Mechanics (2017) for mixed ensemble navigates the boundary between the substantive and abstract psychological terrains of dreams. Inspired by the magical realism of author Haruki Murakami and with symbolic references to some of his more metaphysical works, Dream Mechanics adopts a range of behavioral modes in search of a musical identity. Commissioned by Elizabeth and Justus Schlichting, Dream Mechanics was composed for and premiered at the inaugural Blackbird Creative Lab held in Ojai, California.