happy to be one

for solo flute.

difficult: circular breathing, improvisation.

timing is open, but usually runs between 5-8 minutes.

2003.

I was asked to write a piece for a friend's commitment ceremony that took place in October 2003. At the time, I had been working on circular breathing and improvising for about two years and was starting to feel comfortable with both of those things. I found myself piling on "requirements" as to what they piece sould be: I knew the piece had to be joyous, but I also felt it should be serious in some way, but also funky (almost danceable?), and furthermore it should shimmer. I wanted to celebrate not only my friends' choice to show their commitment to one another — one sense of "one" in the title, but also my growing abilities as an improviser and a circular breather — another sense of being "one" of the people who can do those things. This piece is dedicated to Marion Leary and Lara Kelly.

score.

Do consider making a donation (of any amount, but let's say $7), if you choose to perform this piece, make copies of it, use it for educational purposes, if it has improved your life in any way. Otherwise, yes, it's yours for free. It is copyrighted, so give credit as necessary.