"Journey Above the Tundra: Dance of the Willow Ptarmigan" was inspired by a life-changing expedition to Lake Clark National Park as part of the 2023 Composing in the Wilderness program. Immersed in Alaska’s pristine landscape, I struggled at first to compose something “light, humorous, or playful” in such a grand and spiritual setting—until a snowy willow ptarmigan appeared, clucking boldly from a nearby tree. That unexpected moment of levity became the key. This piece captures the playful spiri...