Ibbi Pip is accompanied by "Wooden Canopy," a custom composition created by Eric Sturr & co. and commissioned by The Wild Center. “Wooden Canopy” begins with an introduction to the big, lumbering, friendly troll from Thomas Dambo's TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibition, known as Ibbi Pip. Slowly but steadily, she toils in her perpetual loop around the forest, hanging birdhouses. It is her belief that human beings can still be good stewards of the earth and be cognizant when it comes to respecting nature. To the casual observer, it would seem like her mission is a fruitless one—she is constantly trying to do good, despite the fact that her job is never finished. Her mind wanders as she roams. Deep in her thoughts are her love of nature and humankind. Her heart swells as she imagines what the future could potentially hold. And then, it’s back to work.

As you listen throughout the four movements, you might hear Ibbi Pip hanging the birdhouses in the woods as she travels from tree to tree. You might hear the chickadee, the sparrow, and the woodpecker all return to the forest to make their homes in Ibbi’s creations. You may also hear the rise of spring peepers as nature’s foothold continues. The final song in “Wooden Canopy” is titled “The Work Begins.” It is a montage reflecting that the only way to progress is through the hard work of trying to make the world a better place, but that hard work is a job worth doing.

All of the songs were written by Eric Sturr, who also performed on piano. He was joined by Emma James on flute, bass flute, and piccolo; Sarah Franchino on violin; and Susan Meuse on cello. The tracks were mixed by Eric Sturr and Tim Segado, with mastering completed by Tim Segado.

Stream Wooden Canopy at ericsturr.bandcamp.com or purchase a digital download at shop.wildcenter.org