White Feather (percussion orchestra)

White Feather (2018) - duration: 10m - was commissioned by the Texas Christian University Percussion Orchestra at the instigation of Professor Brian A. West. The first performance of the work was given at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, on the 27th of October 2019.

The title of this work refers to what is often considered the most common angel feather.

I had originally intended to title the work ‘our ever-loving ghosts’. When I imagine angels, I think of the loved ones I’ve lost, still around me, somehow. Transmitting love and care.

Supposedly, a sign our angels are with us is finding a feather. Coming across a feather in your path, or finding one in an unexpected place is thought to be a message from the angels. Specifically, the white feather is thought to be a sign of faith and protection. It can also be an angel telling you that your loved ones are safe and well.  

It is said our angels are always near us, looking over us and protecting us, yet we very rarely know that they are there. Sometimes, in the midst of our rapidly-paced living, they'll send us small signs and signals to let us know they're near, and will always be there for us (until we are ’there’ for others).

These signs can be anything from a subtle flash of light, a rainbow, or an unexpected, sudden feeling of love and warmth within.

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