First Festival uses a minimal number of different notes and rhythms, staying well within the limits common to young bands at the end of their first year of study. Within these limits, however, a number of musical challenges are presented.

At different points in the piece, players must concern themselves with playing in one of three distinct styles - melodic, sustained, or rhythmic.  Students should have very little difficulty with the notes, so the primary focus in rehearsal can be the proper interpretation of these contrasting styles.

First Festival is a past winner of the Canadian Band Association Award for Compositions for Young Bands.