Syncopated brass and driving percussion open this sparkling concert selection. The rhythmic woodwind melody that enters after the brief introduction is set in the Dorian mode, a tonality that dominates the remainder of the piece. The very prominent percussion section gives way to a more delicate woodblock, triangle and tambourine ostinato that accompanies the light hearted second theme. Trumpets now take over the melody and the style hints at the early Hispanic roots of Chico Hills. A lyrical theme in the original Dorian mode highlights the slower middle section that builds to a dramatic climax before returning to the opening Allegro and a short exciting conclusion.
