Prairie Dance

In Zach Docter's Prairie Dance, every instrument gets a chance to shine. A simple tune starts in the clarinets. As it's passed through the ensemble, it grows louder before culminating in a rhythmic Americana-Esque hoedown that would make Copland proud. After this spirited climax, the tune winds down before ending quietly with the clarinets, precisely as it began. Every instrument group is featured in this piece. Transparency allows students to gain experience playing in thin textures, which may be a new experience at this grade level. (1:50)