Of Honor and Duty is an overture suggesting two traits of dignified character.
A brief, slow introduction in F Major featuring a horn solo over a timpani roll, is followed by a rhythmic, accented, brass figure supported by percussion and colorful woodwind embellishments. The second part of this section features a contrasting melody in woodwinds braced by an alto saxophone solo. The brass return, and the first section of the overture slows to a meditative 3/4 section in Bb Major. The main theme then returns in F Major, culminating in a final noble punctuation by brass and percussion with woodwind flourishes. Dedicated to Mr. David E. Smith

For full orchestra the piece begins with a straight forward introduction and then settles into a solemn mood. The theme is first presented in the horns and then joined with the upper woodwinds. A transition is carried by the brass and then modulates upward where the woodwinds and strings burst forth with a decorated version of the melody supported by the full orchestra. The chordal structure and rhythms become stronger until it concludes on a strong resolute chord.