Beginning with an energetic fanfare, Willow Creek Festival is an upbeat piece that moves along smoothly in triple meter. The main theme is presented by the clarinets and saxophones and then again by the trumpets and flutes. A repetition of the introduction provides a transition to a contrasting section in 5/4 time which features a memorable melody in the relative minor key. With varied percussion colors, active rhythmic patterns and an effective countermelody, an excellent contrast is achieved. The main theme returns and flows into an exciting variation of the initial fanfare, bringing the piece to a dynamic conclusion.