Choose Happy is an upbeat ragtime piece commissioned by my friend, Christian Morse and the Piedmont Percussion Project. This ragtime is presented in an ABA format and, as most do, features the xylophone. Approachable by advanced middle school or young high school students, this offers a comfortable stepping-stone to the sometimes forgotten standard ragtime repertoire.

I see happiness as a daily choice and, to me, finding music that is happier than ragtime is a considerable challenge (thus, the title). The sentiment also reminds of the better-worded title and heart behind the very popular marimba solo by Ivan Trevino Strive to be Happy.

This piece is dedicated to my better half — the person who makes me happiest — my wife Abby.