Growing Wings

Instrumentation

Solo C or bass flute

Duration

4:00

Tempo

Playful ♩ = 90

Delivery Method

Digital Download

Accolades

Winner, Southeast Regional Junior Composers Contest, National Federation of Music Clubs (2025)

Winner, North Carolina Junior Composers Contest, National Federation of Music Clubs (2025)

Notes on the piece

When I was asked to write a solo flute piece for 7-year-old Julia Coelho about dragons, I knew exactly what it was going to be about. When I was her age, I had a dragon obsession as well. I devoured books, movies, anything about dragons I could get my hands on. I also had every How to Train Your Dragon figurine under the sun. I wanted this piece to be a playful celebration of Julia’s love for dragons, and a way for her to remember it far in the future. Growing Wings is the story of a small dragonet learning how to fly. She doesn’t get it the first time, but she keeps trying, and her determination pays off. I hope you enjoy her journey while you play this piece, and that it serves as a reminder that it’s not about flying the first time, it’s the perseverance and path to success that matters.