Take Flight (2017) is inspired by the challenge associated with taking a new risk. Much like how a bird must eventually take flight from the nest, we all are faced with choices that can be exhilarating, frightening, and thrilling. This piece starts in the comfort zone, a predictable rhythmic figure and simple melody. Eventually a more complicated decision comes to the table, forcing us to contemplate a new approach, a new leap of faith, and a new journey. As we are faced with a new choice, we may get frustrated, determined, doubtful, disappointed, reminiscent, and even judgmental. Yet despite these feelings, we must make the decision to either take the plunge or sit it out. At the end of this piece, the entire ensemble leads up to a large climax, answered only by the original bassoon voice. We decide to take the risk. No matter how it will turn out, the journey that brought us to our ultimate decision has also taught us something about ourselves.

This piece was written for Woodwind Ensemble with the following instrumentation:

Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, Alto Clarinet, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet (Contra Alto Clarinet sub), Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

*Contrabass Clarinet is written in the Score, but performance below includes Contra Alto Clarinet sub for this part.