Commissioned by the Nebraska City High School Band (Greg Olsen, director), Missouri River Celebration depicts the spirit of the bustling frontier town of Nebraska City, Nebraska, an important stop along the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The work features an exciting opening theme full of rhythmic vigor followed by a lyrical middle section featuring a solo alto sax. The overture then returns energetically to create a rousing conclusion and a fitting tribute to the spirit of adventurous times long ago.