Fanfare and Festival was commissioned by Key Poulan and the Buchanan (Clovis, CA) High School Wind Ensemble. The premiere performance was given by Buchanan High School Wind Ensemble under the baton of Mr. Poulan in February of 2000. An exciting fanfare opens the work written especially for the very fine trumpet section of the Buchanan High School Band Program. The timpani solos throughout the fanfare add an element of conclusion to each phrase. As the fanfare reaches its highest level of tension and suspense, it gives way to a much faster and driving section that makes use of the Lydian mode for a rather unusual melody that keeps the listener guessing both melodically and rhythmically. Interesting percussion writing throughout drives the piece forward and keeps the colors changing. Constant meter changes throughout the composition keep the players on their toes and the listener completely engaged. All players are challenged with exciting and interesting parts in this delightful concert opener.
