Students will be swept away by "North of the Mountain": a vivid musical adventure by Doug Spata in 3/4 time featuring advanced part independence, required shifting, and bracing sixteenth-note runs. The dramatic, filmic style and assertive melodies moving between each of the sections describe thrilling adventures. Students and audiences will respond to the contrasts between bristling ostinatos and longing legato melodies while teachers will appreciate the important skills the piece reinforces.