While looking for more inspiration for this piece, there was this quote from Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis I stumbled upon:
“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.”
 
And from there the title BRIDGES came to me. Bridges pays tribute to the teachers that have influenced and inspired us. This piece is dedicated to the passion and commitment of Dr. Terry Flowers and his work with the St. Philip’s School and Community Center. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Flowers’ work with St. Philip’s has influenced and inspired hundreds of students to be more than what the world sees them as. Using the styles of some of his favorite artists: Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle while honoring his upbringings within the Gospel world, I wanted to tell the story of the “superhero” Dr. Terry Flowers. I also wanted to highlight how teachers are not only superheroes but they’re also our bridges to a brighter future. 
 
The piece also has a section in which younger musicians take the spotlight and shine along with the ensemble- building this bridge of sound and connecting the present with the future of music.