Olde English Carol Cover Image

Olde English Carol: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$60.00 USD
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Olde English Carol Cover Image

Olde English Carol: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

What Child Is This?

Arranged by Robert W. Smith

Grade: 2

Item: 98-RWS160500

$60.00
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Description
Robert W. Smith's beautiful setting of the traditional English carol will be a highlight of your holiday concert program. From the delicacy of the keyboard percussion and alto saxophone solo to the lushness of the full ensemble statement, the musicality of this arrangement is appropriate for developing bands to mature ensembles.

Original Item#: RWS-1605-00

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Additional Details
Series: RWS - Developing Band
Publisher: RWS Music Company
ISBN10: 1-4706-9482-4
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-9482-1
UPC: 038081610672
SKU: 98-RWS160500

More about this title

About the Arranger: Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith has established himself as a cornerstone voice in American concert band and orchestral composition, with over 400 published works performed worldwide. His education at Troy State University and the University of Miami shaped a compositional approach that spans both ambitious concert works and accessible material for developing ensembles. His symphonies The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey have resonated across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, while pieces like The Tempest have become foundational repertoire for bands at every level.

Beyond the concert hall, Smith's music has reached millions through television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, and cultural events ranging from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. His work as a conductor and clinician has taken him across the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe, where he has championed both his own compositions and the broader mission of quality band music education.

Why we love this

Smith's gift for orchestration shines here: he layers the carol so that younger players experience genuine complexity without drowning in technical demands. The interplay between the delicate keyboard percussion and alto saxophone solo creates moments of real musical sophistication, making this a standout choice for programs that want holiday music with genuine artistry.

What to expect

Warm and unhurried, like a carol sung in candlelight. The delicate keyboard percussion and solo saxophone passages create moments of quiet intimacy, while the full ensemble statements arrive with genuine richness and harmonic depth.

Who it's for

Grade 2 bands ready to move beyond simple holiday fare without overcommitting to technical difficulty. This works equally well for developing ensembles building foundational musicianship and more mature groups looking for holiday programming with real substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the alto saxophone solo carefully against the accompaniment; this is the musical heart of the arrangement, and it needs space to sing without the ensemble overpower it.
  • Pay attention to the transitions between the delicate keyboard writing and the fuller ensemble sections. These moments define the shape of the piece and benefit from subtle tempo flexibility.
  • Let the younger players hear recordings of traditional English carol styles before rehearsals begin. It helps them understand the idiom and sing the harmonic language with more authenticity.

How to use it

Place this late in a holiday concert to showcase ensemble maturity without disrupting the lighter energy of your opening selections. The Grade 2 accessibility means you can program it with confidence alongside more ambitious concert works and still maintain audience engagement.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing solo and accompaniment textures
  • Interpreting traditional English carol style and phrasing
  • Reading and executing keyboard percussion writing in concert band contexts
  • Managing dynamic control across varying orchestration densities
  • Sustaining harmonic support without overshadowing solo melodic lines

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