Opposing Notes for alto saxophone and marimba is an evolving conversation-turned-argument between the two instruments. Initially, the saxophone and marimba share similar opinions on how the music should be, but they do not fully agree on the specifics. Each instrument stubbornly attempts to persuade and force the other to play the music how they think it should be, resulting in several episodes of discussion, unproductive negotiation, and argument before reluctantly settling on a compromise. The end of the piece is a passionate outburst, as if both instruments have reached the end of their wits and given up on their futile attempts to work with each other.