A Night at Birdland

A Night at Birdland was sparked by an unexpected source—my mind often wanders into unconventional territories, and this time was no exception. The initial commission, specifically for a bird- themed piece supported by the Houston Audubon, presented a unique challenge given my fear of birds. This prompted me to stray from the typical approach of mimicking bird sounds with woodwind instruments, finding inspiration instead in the iconic jazz musician Charlie Parker, known as ‘Bird.' The composition process also took an unconventional path. Typically, I complete a piece before its premiere, but A Night at Birdland evolved over months of close collaboration with WindSync. Yardbird Suite, which became the final movement, was actually the first movement I wrote for WindSync. Delving into various renditions of the tune, I discovered its poignant lyrics, which spoke of overcoming heartbreak. Despite its seemingly jovial atmosphere, Yardbird Suite became profoundly personal, reflecting my own emotions and struggles. The four movements are titled after Charlie Parker’s original tunes, each serving as either a prominent focal point or subtly woven into the fabric of the movement. Collaborating closely with WindSync allowed me to understand not only their musical abilities but also their personalities and definitely helped me shape the entire work. Their trust and dedication greatly influenced the piece's development, and I am deeply grateful for their partnership.