This work draws inspiration from two iconic quotes that beautifully intertwine themes of perseverance, exploration, and our cosmic origins.
 
The first is the state motto of Kansas: Ad astra per aspera—“To the stars through difficulties.” When dedicating a new piece to an ensemble based in Kansas, this phrase immediately resonated with me. It encapsulates the journey of overcoming challenges to achieve greatness and became a springboard for my creative process.
 
The second quote comes from Carl Sagan’s groundbreaking television series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980):
 
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of star-stuff. Some part of our being knows this is where we came from. We long to return, and we can, because the cosmos is also within us. We’re made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”
 
These words inspired a musical journey that explores the interplay between struggle and triumph. The tension of counterpoint and hemiola reflects the idea of adversity, while wandering harmonies symbolize uncharted frontiers, leading us to new discoveries before bringing us back to familiar ground.
 
Listeners may notice harmonic nods to Gustav Holst’s The Planets, another work steeped in celestial inspiration. STAR-STUFF invites you on an intergalactic voyage—one that mirrors the human spirit’s eternal quest for meaning, connection, and a sense of home among the stars.
 
With the optional repeats, the duration is about 3 to 6 minutes. The work is  appropriate for student and professional groups alike.