Murphy Music Press

Composer: Cait Nishimura
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Level: 1

Ready to Fly represents a parallel between young birds and young developing musicians. Just as fledglings learn to use their voices to make the beautiful bird sounds we all know and love, young musicians develop a familiarity with the language of music and learn to communicate and inspire through sound.

The melodies in this piece were inspired by real bird calls: the charming and easily-recognizable two-note call of the black-capped chickadee, and the musical fanfare-like three-note call of the red-winged blackbird. I was also inspired by songbirds in the construction of the piece, using layering and call & response sections to imitate antiphonal bird calls.

In working on this project, I felt strongly about creating a piece that contributes to both musical and social-emotional growth of students at this level. My hope is that this piece will empower students of all levels to feel "ready to fly" in their musical and personal pursuits.
- Cait Nishimura