To Soar With Broken Wings – Full Score

Description

To Soar with Broken Wings was commissioned in memory of Alex McClurg, a young musician lost too soon to a long battle with cancer. A celebration of life, and a reminder that no matter what struggles you may face, you can still soar.

Program Notes

The material for this work comes from an earlier piece I wrote for Concert Band to honor the life of a young Bassoon player who passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Below is an excerpt from those notes and a little about Alex McClurg:

In 2021, I was approached by Travis Hickman, who shared with me the terrible news that he had recently lost a former student. Very quickly, from talking with Travis, I learned the powerful story of Alex. Alex was a remarkable young man, musician, and friend who for many years had been battling cancer. His story is one of perseverance and hope, oftentimes displaying a courage and strength that most adults could not muster. Through it all, Alex never lost faith.

“To Soar With Broken Wings” is in tribute to Alex and dedicated to all those who are battling cancer. Throughout the work, a hopeful melody is used. This melody is sometimes surrounded by softer, sadder passages or used in powerful moments of triumph. Life has ups and downs, and so did Alex’s journey. His life was special, it was powerful, and it was important.

The subtitle for the work is a personal message from Alex and a fitting capstone to this young life.

From Alex’s Mom:
“I leave you with Alex’s final words, and may it give you peace and much hope for the future;…It’s beautiful.”