Premiered at the 50th Anniversary of MENC (now NAfME) in San Antonio by the United States Air Force Band.  This magnificent composition was received with immediate and overwhelming acceptance. At its premiere, Conductor Arnald Gabriel stated,  "Festival Variations, with its brilliant technical passages coupled with its glorious romanticism, will certainly rank as one of the monumental compositions of the 20th century."

Although extremely challenging, many fine bands throughout the world have added this great work to their repertoire and perform it regularly.  The commemorative edition features newly edited and engraved parts with a full score.  The result is most thorough in terms of harmonic spellings in the score and performance practicality in the parts.