NEW RELEASE: Cast Off and Fly

Last fall, my former student was finalizing repertoire for her senior recital at the University of North Texas when she contacted me to ask if I would write her a multi-percussion piece.

I love writing music that has intellectual meaning. I think it gives the piece another layer of emotion. I began thinking back on my time with Emma as a student, and what her percussion journey was like in the time I taught her since her 8th grade year all through high school.

Anyone who knows Emma knows that she has stellar 4-mallet skills. To showcase them, this was an element I definitely wanted to include in the piece, with the intention that the player moves around the drums with a sense of finesse and flow. Oh, and while we're multitasking, why not include a kick drum to enhance the groove?

Here's a look at the literal meaning of each section:

"Rock Lobster" was a typical stand tune played on 8th grade band night, so that's how the piece starts. The rimshot in m.4 represents when Emma broke her wrist during softball soon after auditioning for the high school indoor percussion ensemble :(
At this point, Emma's RH was in a cast and in the high school ensemble, she played synth with her LH. So in this section, the player puts down the L stick and plays with their fingers. Rhythmic development of the main theme begins in this section. The dance between the three toms represents the juggling of 3 extra-curricular activities, so much so that there is minimal free time.
In my first lesson with all students, I like to ask them about their goals. This section is a play on that conversation: "What are your goals?" Her answer, "To get better." The idea of this rhythmic conversation develops throughout the piece, especially within the phrase, "To get better" (and better and better and better...) It was such a simple yet mighty statement that had such immensity over time.
This section takes a journey through the past. It contains a plethora of rhythmic and melodic snippets that were prominent pieces, exercises, and shows throughout Emma's high school days. The accelerando moves the tempo forward to represent improving dexterity and expanding skills over time. The caesura represents the big life cutoff of the pandemic during Emma's last season before graduation.
"Life must go on!" This four-note theme returns multiple times throughout the remainder of the piece, representing an attitude of determination and perseverance in response to the inevitable challenges that life brings.
And just when people thought they’ve seen the best version of you, they realize there’s still more to come.
This last section is a celebration of progress and growth, as well as a sense of energy and excitement for whatever is yet to come.

Contrary to what the title might suggest, this piece is not about fly fishing. In fact, it is about resilience! In life there are inevitable obstacles and challenges, but life must go on. A broken wrist and many setbacks thereafter do not have to stop you from ultimately taking flight. Once that cast comes off, persevere and fly.

I hope that every percussionist who plays this piece can interpret it in their own way, taking note of their own life challenges and how these experiences will only make them stronger in the end. Keep going. The sky is the limit!

NEW RELEASE: Cast Off and Fly

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