Regarding his composition, The Guide, Taylor writes: In January of 2006, I was named the winner of the 2005 North American Student Composer Competition, held by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony, Lawrence Isaacson, music director. As a result, I was commissioned to compose a new work for symphonic band to be premiered by the group in the spring of 2007. The Guide was written between May and December 2006. The piece is dedicated to those individuals that provide direction and leadership for others. This person can come in a variety of forms, most obviously a guardian and a teacher. But it is possible a person's guide may simply be someone who embodies a certain set of ideals and values. As I have reflected on my career as a musician, I have come to realize the importance of those people who have helped to shape who I am today.