Carol of the Drum

From Wind Repertory Project
Katherine Kennicott Davis

Katherine Kennicott Davis (arr. Floyd Werle, ed. R Mark Rogers)


Subtitle: The Little Drummer Boy


General Info

Year: 1941 / 2018
Duration: c. 2:50
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Southern Music through Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts - $65.00   |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra-alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba I-II
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Little Drummer Boy (originally known as Carol of the Drum) is a popular Christmas song written by the American classical music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. It was recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers and realized on the choir's first LP Christmas with the Trapp Family Singers and released as a single (45 rpm). These were the first recordings released on their new record label Decca Records and further popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale. This version was re-released successfully for several years and the song has been recorded many times since.

In the lyrics the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was summoned by the Magi to the nativity where, without a gift for the infant Jesus, he played his drum with the Virgin Mary's approval, remembering "I played my best for Him" and "He smiled at me."

- Program Note from Wikipedia


This publication marks the first edition of the Floyd Werle classic arrangement for modern band, including a full score. Edited by R. Mark Rogers.

- Program Notes from publisher


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Austin (Tx.) Civic Wind Ensemble (Robert Laguna, conductor) - 10 December 2023
  • Sacramento (Calif.) Symphonic Winds (Matthew Morse, conductor) - 11 December 2022
  • Kansas Wesleyan University (Salina) Wind Ensemble (James McAllister, conductor) - 6 December 2022
  • Peachtree Wind Ensemble (Fayetteville, Ga.) (Mike Daniell, conductor) - 3 December 2022
  • Heart of Texas (San Antonio) Concert Band (R. Mark Rogers, conductor) - 19 December 2021
  • Riverside High School (Painesville, Ohio) Wind Ensemble (David A. Schwartz, conductor) - 9 December 2021
  • Mid America Freedom Band (Kansas City, Mo.) (Lee Hartman, conductor) - 15 December 2018


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources