The Drummer Boy of Shiloh: Score
Arr. Frank Erickson, orch. Barry E. Kopetz
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0001622
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Description
The work is simple in conception but full of the characteristics that have been trademarks of Erickson's compositions for band. It begins simply with the snare drum stating its simple cadence. This is followed immediately by the melodic line carried by the unison trumpets. The work becomes two-part at the measure before rehearsal 7 as the trombone and the baritone add lower countermelody to the texture. The full ensemble finally enters in the measure before 11 with beautiful sonorous lines.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Drummer Boy of Shiloh: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Frank Erickson Publications
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
106
SKU:
00-PR-0001622
More about this title
About the Arranger: Frank Erickson
Frank Erickson (1923-1996) was a prolific composer and arranger whose band works defined the accessible concert band repertoire for generations of directors. His arrangements prioritize clear musical ideas and straightforward scoring that allows young ensembles to sound mature, a philosophy evident throughout his tenure as a respected voice in American band music.
Why we love this
Erickson's gift for building ensemble texture shows clearly here: the work unfolds naturally from solo snare drum through unison brass to full band, giving every section something meaningful to play without demanding virtuosity. It's the kind of graded progression that lets Grade 2 students experience genuine musical growth across a single rehearsal piece.
What to expect
The piece evokes the quiet moment before battle, anchored by the drummer's steady heartbeat before hope emerges in the trumpet's voice. As more instruments join, the texture deepens into something both intimate and sonorous, capturing the Americana narrative without needing words.
Who it's for
This arrangement suits concert bands at the Grade 2 level who want a piece that sounds polished without excessive technical demands. Directors working with younger or developing ensembles will appreciate how each instrumental family gets a moment to shine while the overall structure remains manageable.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening snare drum figure with clear articulation and steady pulse; this solo line sets the character for everything that follows.
- Balance the unison trumpet melody against the snare drum so the melody sings without overshadowing the foundational rhythm.
- Bring out the trombone and baritone countermelody when it enters before rehearsal 7; these inner voices add harmonic color that shouldn't disappear in the texture.
- Let the full ensemble entrance before 11 breathe and resonate; Erickson's 'beautiful sonorous lines' need space to sing through the band.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener or as the centerpiece of a Americana-themed concert; its modest demands make it ideal for mid-season rehearsal when you need a win with the full band. The straightforward progression and accessible Grade 2 level also make it effective for festival or contest settings where clarity and control matter more than virtuosity.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing solo and ensemble textures
- Responding to gradual harmonic complexity (unison to two-part writing to full harmony)
- Sustaining tone quality at softer dynamic levels
- Listening for and supporting inner melodic lines