This bundle includes:
1. A digital PDF of the Teacher Resource Guide from the Teaching Music textbook
2. An mp3 recording of the work

The inspiration for the work came after Reed’s first visit to the festival the previous year. He noted that the Tri-State Festival was one of the largest and most impressive events of its kind. Reed suggested that the event was “so large and important an occasion (that it) might be served by a special introductory piece.” Reed continued:

The work was conceived specifically in terms of its title: as an “opening” kind of piece, whether for an actual festival, concert, or similar musical (or even extra-musical) event. The music was to establish and maintain a bright and brilliant mood throughout, with no other connotation in mind.