A Portrait of Utah paints a musical picture of both the history and the heritage of the state of Utah. Opening with an arrangement of the hymn Come, Come, Ye Saints, " the first movement is a beautiful tribute to the Mormon population. "The Golden Spike, " the second movement, depicts the sounds of a train on the trans-continental railway, steadily drawing closer and then chugging away into the distance. "Monument Valley, " the third movement, features open fifths and sixths representing the stark sandstone formations in this unique location. "Fresh Powder!" brings the suite to a close with its fast and fun musical runs celebrating the great ski slopes in the state.