The title Final Ascent was inspired by a recent trip to Alaska where we were given a tour of Denali National Park. We heard the numerous stories of the climbers who challenge the mountain and while some climbers are successful, some are not. The most harrowing part of the climb can be the final ascent to the top. This is a decision that has to be made knowing that bad timing can be fatal. The challengers of this beautiful mountain often talk about the peaceful, ethereal mystique that is part of Denali. The mountain seems to draw the full range of human emotion from ones' soul as the climb progresses.

In my music, I wanted to capture the sense of urgency and conflict that often exists with these climbers as well as the feeling of ethereal elation that is such an essential part of this Denali climbing experience. Please enjoy Final Ascent.