WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF WRITING,
"STRETCH"?

This one came when my daughter was taking dance. I began thinking about the need for performers to take risks and push themselves to make the most of their abilities. The subject is somewhat autobiographical and speaks to the struggles many of us face with self-doubt. I sing, “Stretch or doubt will pull you in/If you slip, just reach again!” 

In the key of G, the chords reach out, in an effort to overcome, find strength, and evade anticipation and to provide a foundation for the melody. The melody pushes me as the singer to explore a broader range and provide tension and relief. Again, I search for unusual interval jumps that still promote a flowing and easy to follow melody. I look for “whistleable” tunes that linger. I love having those horns!