Ancestral Flyways

Ancestral Flyways, Cait Nishimura (2026) 3'45"
for concert band

Ancestral Flyways is inspired by the remarkable journeys taken by hundreds of millions of migratory birds every year, as they travel great distances between their breeding grounds and wintering grounds and back again. Some species of birds migrate along established routes called flyways. Birds navigate using a combination of powerful senses and environmental cues including the position of the sun and stars, Earth’s magnetic field, and visual landmarks such as rivers and ridges. Juvenile birds are often able to migrate on their own to wintering grounds they have never been to before, guided by an innate connection to these places. Migration is considered one of the most dangerous times of a bird’s life, so making these journeys safely and successfully multiple times over a bird’s lifetime is quite miraculous.

The music in Ancestral Flyways explores the combination of steadiness and urgency, gratitude and yearning, and moving forward while staying connected to the past. Moving inner lines represent flowing water and the contours of the Earth as seen from above; rising and soaring melodies depict the magic of flight itself; and sparkling ostinatos reflect the stars that many birds rely on. The warm and radiant sections of music are meant to feel like the emotional release of coming home after a transformative journey– an experience shared by all human and non-human beings.

Difficulty: Grade 3

Instrumentation: Flute 1-2, oboe, bassoon, clarinet 1-3, bass clarinet, alto saxophone 1-2, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet 1-3, horn 1-2, trombone 1-2, euphonium, tuba, double bass, piano, timpani, percussion 1-3

Note: Parts will be available in January 2027. Once available, they will include two copies of all instrumental parts. Please contact our team if you would like to purchase additional copies.