Instrumentation

flute (piccolo)
clarinet in Bb (bass clarinet)
percussion
piano
violin
viola (optional)
violoncello

Duration: ca. 9m
Year of Composition: 2023 (rev. 2025)

Program Notes

Under Wing is dedicated to my late friend and mentor, Jocelyn Morlock. Since Jocelyn’s passing, I’ve been reflecting on the music I wrote while I was her student, ideas that we bounced back and forth in our lessons. This piece’s musical material has its origin in two works of mine: Convergence for chamber orchestra, and The Sun-Dial for chamber choir. Under Wing is a re-evaluation of the core motifs of those works, reconstructed in a way that feels more true to what I feel, and who I am now.

Under Wing is a piece about mourning, growth, and transformation. It is inspired by white-throated sparrow songs, prairie thunderstorms, teachers and their students.

Underwing was originally composed in December 2023 for pierrot ensemble + percussion as part of the Standing Wave Ensemble’s 2023 Compocon workshop. The septet arrangement adds an additional viola with only minor changes to the original violin part.

Perusal Score