The Andante and Gavotte for Four Bassoons was composed in 1940. Although it bears no formal dedication, it is safe to assume that it was written for Van Vactor's close friends, bassoonists George and June De Vine and some of their students. The couple "tagged along" (George's own words) with Van Vactor from Chicago to Kansas City and eventually Knoxville. June played principal bassoon in the Knoxville Symphony, George played second bassoon in the ensemble and taught in the Music Department of the University of Tennessee with Van Vactor. In addition to their melodic appeal and skillful construction, the Andante and Gavotte are historically significant as they are the first original bassoon quartets written by an American composer.