Prairie Dance

In Zach Docter’s Prairie Dance, every instrument gets a chance to shine. A simple tune starts in the clarinets. As the melody passes through the ensemble, it grows louder before culminating in a rhythmic Americana-esque fiddle tune that would make Copland proud. After this spirited climax, the music winds down before ending quietly with the clarinets, precisely as it began. Transparent orchestration allows students to gain experience playing in thin textures, which may be a new experience at this grade level. (2:30)