Highland Trace" begins with a hymn-like melody presented in choirs of woodwinds and brass. This leads to an allegro section that features distinctly Celtic sounding themes alternating between the brass and woodwinds. Finally, while the percussion maintain a rhythmic accent, the full wind band joins in an ascending new theme. As the piece draws to an end the Celtic theme is re-visited and the initial melody leads to a building climax in the final measures.