In 1987 Ford’s friend, Stefan Stuber spent a year in Nicaragua doing humanitarian work. Ford was impressed with his friend’s devotion to helping others so he decided to write and dedicate a work to him. The title reflects Stefan’s last name, Stuber and “Nic” for Nicaragua resulting in “Stubernic” (pronounced stew-ber-nick). Ford states, “The music for Stubernic reflects the passion and excitement of the music of Latin America without borrowing any traditional themes or rhythms.” The work requires the three players to navigate all over the instrument, even playing the instrument’s frame. It is a powerful, driving work that has a fiery ending.