BRAVE SPIRIT was commissioned by the Cuthbertson Middle School Band of Waxhaw, North Carolina and their directors, Todd and Katie Ebert. This work was commissined in conjunction with a grant that stipulated that the work must connect with a cross-curricular activity within the middle school. All students were to read "Chinese Cinderella" by Adeline Yen Mah, a book that chronicles her early life and struggles finding acceptance in a primarily patriarchal society. This work uses the pentatonic scale, synthesized mandolin, and optional amplified flute to honor this brave woman and paint a portrait of her perseverance. The work begins with a duet between the flute and piccolo, symbolizing the girl and her grandfather, before taking off into a joyful dance accentuated by tom drums. The middle section reflects the inner peace that Ms. Mah strived for, before returning to the more lively melody.
