Honoring the career of an Illinois band director upon her retirement, this gorgeous work comes off as an epic musical journey that is full of surprises. An oboe soloist (always cued) is featured in the lyrical yet emotionally powerful opening section. A spirited jig in 6/8 time takes over after the slow introduction. As the jig unwinds and comes to its conclusion, the piece unexpectedly shifts to a duple meter 4/4 featuring energetic technical passages in upper woodwinds, then joined by trumpets...