Flight by Dylan Findley

Composed by Dylan Findley senior at Ottawa High School in Illinois. Ottawa High School Band perfoming.

Program Note:

Flight! is an aviation adventure that begins with an exhilarating takeoff. The simulation of wind by the percussion section and the empowered description of the airplane by the low wind instruments prepare the way to a fast-paced fanfare of the skies led by the trumpets. As the airplane glides through the air, the ever-changing scenery is interpreted by a switch to a smoother feel; however, the drive of the initial takeoff is still prevalent and carries the piece forward. Once the plane reaches altitude, the takeoff section ends by a soulful trumpet solo. The solo transitions into tranquil weather portrayed by an oboe solo, but the serenity quickly evaporates as night approaches. Somber bass voices, a tone cluster, an irregular time signature, and hushed solos give the feel of a red-eye flight. The awkward style persists until the dawn approaches with an embellished, passionate sound to end the slow section. After morning breaks, the airplane heads into a storm. Trombone smears and low brass trills along with a dissonant variation on the original motif lead into a wave of sound that signals the storm. The original theme is morphed into the storm theme, which encompasses most of the section. The middle of the section features the first theme played in an eerie fashion to signal the clouds, wind, rain, and turbulence. The storm theme is restated following the first themes return and the piece builds to an explosion of sound to finish the storm section. After the storm has passed, the sky brightens and becomes as it was in the beginning. The music reflects the blue sky with a recapitulation of the first theme that takes the airplane to the end of its journey.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Dylan
• Findley
• Flight!
• Wind Ensemble
• Premiere
• Ottawa
• Township
• High
• School

[omgshmikey]

Great composition.

Did anyone help with in the writing of it?

[nucsro]

I took an independent study at school the first semester last year where I worked on orchestrating and arranging ideas until I was ready to begin writing the piece and I also had a great opportunity to visit a composer up in Chicago one day and learn from him. As with the actual writing of the music, I did that part completely independently, though after I finished it I naturally had to tweak things that didn't sound as expected. It just took a lot of work and time!

[eagleandguitarguy44]

Dylan, this piece is unbelieveable! It was an honor to play this piece. I cannot wait for the next composition.

[clamtwins]

Amazing! You are so talented, Dylan! When you're a world-renowned composer someday, I'll be proud to brag that I was your homeroom teacher!

[satrombone1093]

Wow, this is really amazing. I'm currently a senior in high school myself, and I did some composing in my music theory last year. People were really impressed with my writing, especially the 4 minute concert band piece that we had to write for our final. But I never wrote anything nearly as impressive as this. This was a few years ago, so I'm sure you've progressed even more and have become truly amazing at composing. You're awesome. :)

[jakekillelea666]

Man this is really cool. 

[sprocklexi12]

Wow Dylan. This is you cousin George and you are a freakin Stud! Good Luck at BYU! sorry i missed your grad party but being in Montana makes it hard getting back ya know. See you at christmas!

[swimbackdanman]

Nicely done Dylan! That's really cool that you got to write for your full band. It sounds pretty good too. Kind of reminds me of Indiana Jones. I'm curious now what you've been up to for the last year or so.

[Karissa09]

D-man, you are so amazing. Your future has SO much in store for you! and thanks for writing an interesting percussion part!(everyone always forgets about us!)

<3

[Lemonjuice13]

Wow that was fantastic. Someday when you're a famous composer we can say you were our neighbor! Lisa, Bubba & Lexi

[CaptainRadiation]

This was fantastic. It sounds like something that should be in a video game or movie. Congratulations Dylan.