Among the Aspens

I wrote Among the Aspens in honor of my father Charles Bate Jr, who passed away when I was a child. He was my best friend and my biggest inspiration. Within this piece I bare my soul; my heartache, my healing, my journey of loss, and misery, and peace. I spent a great deal of my short time with my father in the mountains and in the trees. I know wherever he rests, he will always remain there, among the aspens

Among the Aspens contains flexible instrumentation. Although scored originally for a full orchestra, this piece may be played by a variety of different ensembles, including, but not limited to, a string orchestra or wind ensemble. Among the Aspens can be divided at its bare bones into five main parts, those of which are written among the strings. I hope this piece brings joy to both your ensemble and your audience. Thank you.