In tarot, the fool is considered foolish for taking leaps of faith knowing that the road

ahead will hold many obstacles that could very well lead to failure. In a way, artists are fools, for they choose a path that consists of challenges such as financial security, harsh critics, and the constant fight for self-confidence. Why do we choose this journey? This is a question that can only be answered by the artist. Artists define their success and can never reach it if they never take chances. If they never make mistakes.

Many can resonate with the tale of the fool; in this piece, the fool is depicted as a hero through soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and heroic solos from the horn and piano. Those that laugh at the fool for their carefree nature are also heard through this work by the use of subtle dissonance, "bite-like" motifs, and aggressive percussion like the anvil. In the final moments of the piece, the fool leaps and begins soaring on a new journey. I encourage you, the listener, to go on and take your leap of faith. Make your mistakes. Enjoy your successes. Let yourself fall. Let yourself soar.

Premiered by the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic Orchestra

Awarded the Harry G. Archer Orchestra Composition Award