On Broad and Rolling Plains

"When I was asked to compose a piece for the Texas Woman's University Flute Choir's performance at the 2019 National Flute Association Convention in Salt Lake City, the idea of using Texas as an extra-musical theme was suggested. While reading the words to the Texas Woman's University Alma Mater, the opening line of the second stanza struck me as an excellent way to describe the theme I was striving to represent as well as the piece - the history, natural beauty and the people of Texas. The piece is divided into two distinct sections. The slow, bucolic opening is meant to represent the winds blowing over the great plains of Texas. It starts gently, like a soft breeze, and grows as melodic lines emerge from the sustained texture. The second half of the piece is built on a rhythmic and animated energy that starts with fragments of the theme and builds into an exuberant dance." - Peter Senchuk