Ad Astra is an homage to the state of Kansas whose state motto is "Ad Astra Per Aspera" or "To the Stars Through Difficulty." This composition is an exploration of minimalism, composite rhythms, and texture. Within this piece there are three sets of composite rhythms within the overall rhythmic structure of the ensemble. These sets are established by grouping the six instruments into three pairs. Throughout the piece these pairs/sets often play the same material staggered by a varying rhythmic interval creating a composite sound.