Grace Notes is dedicated to Grace L. Heard in honor of her graduation from the University of Rochester. The piece is commissioned by John R. Heard, and premiered by Dianne L. Heard on the 21st of May, 2017, at Grace's graduation ceremony at the University of Rochester. The 50-bell Hopeman Memorial Carillon at the University of Rochester transposes up one octave.

Grace Notes is titled primarily in honor Grace Heard, but also for the grace notes, often indicated as rolled chords, throughout the composition. The piece begins with a fanfare in a joyful celebration, marking the special occasion of Grace's graduation. After the fanfare fades, the calmer, more delicate sections that follow are a reflection on the journey that has led Grace, Diane, and John to this momentous day. The joyous fanfare resumes to end the piece, with four final notes to be optionally played by Grace if she's able to make it up into the tower!

—Joey Brink