“Aspire Overture” is the new orchestral arrangement of the very first piece of music I composed titled “Aspire”.

“Aspire” is an acronym which stands for:  

A- Awaken

S- Shine

P- Passion

I- Ignite

R- Renew

E- Empower

This acronym is also how this piece was composed.  I did a word study for a few months and tried to feel the emotion of the word “Aspire” and when it came to me on Mothers Day 2014, I recorded it on my NU1 Yamaha piano and in just over 5 minutes the journey of the decade began.

Aspire Overture

Piano solo piece began as a word study suggested by Merilyn S. Jacobson.

Because I compose mostly based on the emotion of a story or feeling I get from an experience or place.  I didn’t personally “feel” the emotion of “Aspire”, Until I did.  And when I did, the song was born in one recording session. One take, just over 5 minutes long with little change from the original version.

This piece of music was then sent off to be transcribed. 

When I received the score…I could not read my music. 

It took practice for me to get to that next step and then I realized it was transcribed incorrectly so I sent it out again.

This time, I could read it and I practiced and practiced until I could perform it without the sheet music. 

That was the solo piano piece I performed in my Mark the Pond Guy Garden at the “Moonlight Pond Tour” where David Keith heard me and then introduced me to my producer Steve Ivey.

That’s when & where my recording Dream began. 

Shine

Once you See your potential, Speak about it to yourself and others.  Study what others before you have done to make it happen & make whatever mindset Shift you need to make, you're ready to take the Steps you need to take and then Show up for yourself and just Start taking action. 

When you Start, you gain the momentum that you’ll need for the next part of the journey. Starting is literally the hardest part and is the part that so many others Stop at.  Don’t be a stopper - Start taking action. 

Shine your light!

Passion

The inspiration for this piece was 8 notes in which I heard orchestral sounds in my head.  I went to my antique pump organ to work on the idea and that’s when the thought to orchestrate the whole project was born.  

I began building a sound library starting with Spitfire Audio.  I had no idea the can of worms I had opened up. I would not have been successful without my amazing producer Steve Ivey showing up as my recording genius. It would have taken me years otherwise. 

Steve was so attuned to my vision after listening to my ideas.  His patience in guiding me through the creative process as we began composing for this piece was a gift. We realized early on that my ideas when merged with his would be an even better piece of music.  

Two elements we knew this piece needed was orchestration and vocal texture. 

The human voice is what I believe breathes life into this piece. It also represents how we are each dependent on air for our very existence.  

Never take a single breath for granted. Charlie's vocal texture conveys so much emotion throughout this piece and is personally touching to me and my story as I know it was for her and her story. Let it live through your story now. 

Another note…this is the only piece in the Aspire project that composing ideas began during the making of the album- I brought those 8 original notes and together, Steve & I made this happen in 1 week from concept to recording.  I was blown away with his skills and I think he was with mine. 

Passion is at the center and is the core piece of importance in the journey to achieve your dream.

Living out your Purpose with Passion includes giving yourself Permission to Prioritize your dream. Plan it, Pursue it, and Persevere like a dog on a bone until you get it! 

Knowing when to Pivot is essential.
Live your Purpose with Passion!

Ignite

The inspiration for this piece came while watching an amazing fireworks show and realizing I needed to add to my musical skill set to accomplish this idea. So I practiced for a year to get really good at what I needed to master, and then I composed this piece. 

Not knowing then that we would have an amazing Auroral experience all around the world, I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams that the Aurora video that would accompany this piece on YouTube would be so awesome! Tori Harp Images has absolutely outdone herself with all of the images and video she has captured for you to enjoy! 

The perfect match (no pun intended) for this piece. 

It is a very fun one to perform. I really enjoy this one!

Another little tidbit…The original “Aspire” piano solo was composed on Mother’s Day 2014 and the Mother’s Day Aurora was Photographed in 2024.  Exactly 10 years from the first note to the album cover. 

When you Imagine the possibilities and Increase your efforts you Illuminate the light within you and let it shine out to others, you will Inspire, become an Influence and when you Invite others in, you can make an Impact. 

Go Ignite your Impact!

Renew

Besides the 2 sections I composed for this piece there was something more that was needed. I worked on ideas for a week and went to a recording session with Steve and had nothing. He said to give it another week. Two days later I heard a tiny voice singing at the top of her lungs a brand new song she was making up on the spot. I recorded it immediately and the 3rd needed section was born. This little singer is Helena Harp (Ellie) a 5 year old musician and already so talented. With her permission, we added this piece to Renew. 

You will hear her sweet melody at the opening, middle & end of this piece. Composition note…I originally improvised on her piece and when she heard it slightly different from her original, she asked for it to be re-recorded to get it right.  So I did. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

One other note about this piece…no one could get through the editing process without falling asleep or zoning out. 

This! That sweet part after you accomplish your goal. The Renew after the success. 

Release it, let It go. Rest. Refresh emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. Make a Routine to find your new Rhythm. Reflect on your accomplishment and your lessons. Reset to take your next steps. 

Ideas…Nature immersion, spa day, sport, hobby, travel, read, create, adventure…learn a new skill…take in something you enjoy.

Renew before your next Goal.

Empower

The idea I had in mind for this song was one of running a race and passing the torch to the next person, “Chariots of Fire” came to mind.

That feeling of winning and the  moment you do…

When you have accomplished your dream, take in that deep breath & then Exhale.  Embrace those who walked that journey with you, Enjoy your success.  Feel the Emotions.  Encourage & Elevate towards Excellence those who come after you who also Aspire to a dream.