Wellesley Nocturne incorporates two quotes of special significance to the culture of Wellesley College. The first is an interpretation of "America the Beautiful," a song whose text was written by a Wellesley alumna, and a tune that all aspiring carillonneurs at Wellesley must learn as part of their initiation; the second are the opening strains of the Wellesley alma mater. The ostinato figure was inspired by "1-8-7-0," the year in which the charter of the college was signed, and the meter is a nod to the original members of the "Seven Sisters."

—Mitchell Stecker