The original timbral idea for Firefall came to me while sitting in a concert at the 2019 Midwest Clinic in Chicago: I have no recollection of what group or piece. I do remember thinking of the opening descending thirds figure and wondering how that could be utilized in a band piece, and to what extent for different levels of band experience.

Serendipitously, not long afterwards I was made aware of the annual natural illumination phenomenon of the Horsetail Waterfall at Yosemite National Park ...