A Frost Quake is a seismic event caused by a sudden cracking in frozen soil or rock. You can hear crackling sounds underneath the ground on a below zero-degree day in the northern climates. The composer, living in the Midwest, has heard these frost quakes and thought it would be a perfect idea for a unique winter concert piece.

The dark minor melody and tremolos portray the frozen earth and crackling sounds. The time signature changes contrasted with a lyrical middle section allow developing musicians to work on a wide variety of playing techniques. There is even a section where the musicians use col legno and percussive techniques to give the audience a more visceral experience of this unique winter event.