First Flight

First Flight in two movements for concert band (grade 4, inst: 2 fl, ob, 3 clar, bs clar, bsn, 2 asx, tsx, bsx, 3 tpt, 4 hrn, 2 tbn, bs tbn, euph, tba, timp and 3 perc, and opt string bass) is dedicated to the USAF Band of the Golden West and was commissioned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight. In the first movement, 'Airborne,' the thrill and ebullient joy of flying is expressed with ascending fanfares, rising harmonies and driving rhythms. In the second movement, 'Three Dimensional View,' the new vision presented by powered flight is expressed in the lyrical melodies in the tuba, clarinet, alto saxophone and trumpet, followed by a return of the spirit introduced in the first movement. This work is featured on the USAF CD First Flight.