Ascension

Ascension was conceived during auditions for leadership with the Florida State University drumline, also known as the “Big 8.” As a part of the audition, those auditioning were asked to perform an exercise that uses the rhythmic motive, which starts the beginning of this work. As auditions continued, one student after another, there were those few measures with a motive that just stuck in my head. I leaned over to my colleague after several students and said, "I can write a piece using these few measures", and here we are. Ascension is defined as "the process of rising to a position of higher importance, rank, or success." This title fits perfectly because the students in the audition were aiming for ascension within the drumline and marching band.

The work represents the energy and excitement of climbing the rankings, the pursuit of that climb, and the feeling of completion… in epic form.