The Little Drummer Boy: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone / arr. John O'Reilly
Grade: 0.5 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0000804
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Description
John O'Reilly has arranged the classic Christmas hit for beginning bands in a very special way. Sleigh bells, triangle, and tom tom establish the processional style that is further enhanced by low brass and woodwind open fifths. Upper woodwinds get the first pass at playing this famous melody but trumpets, horns, and low brass also get to be featured as this delightful arrangement progresses.
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Additional Details
Series:
Accent on Achievement
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
124
SKU:
00-PK-0000804
More about this title
About the Composer: John O'Reilly
John O'Reilly is a prolific arranger whose work appears across the Accent on Achievement series and countless other educational catalogs. His arrangements are known for balancing accessibility with genuine musicality, creating pieces that sound more advanced than their technical demands suggest.
Why we love this
O'Reilly's arrangement captures the processional pageantry of this beloved melody while keeping technical demands minimal. Every section gets featured at Grade 0.5, which means your beginning players experience genuine ownership of the tune rather than rhythm section accompaniment. The percussion writing (sleigh bells, triangle, tom tom) adds festive color without overwhelming young musicians.
What to expect
A stately procession with festive shimmer. The sleigh bells and triangle establish a gentle, rhythmic motion while the open fifth harmonies underneath give the arrangement an ancient, carol-like dignity. As voices trade the melody, the piece unfolds like a slow parade of instruments, each group stepping forward for their moment.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands performing at winter or holiday concerts. This arrangement works for ensembles still building foundational skills while needing high-engagement repertoire that sounds polished and complete.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the open fifths in low brass and woodwinds carefully; they should anchor the melody without drowning upper voices.
- Give the tom tom player clear visual cues for rhythmic precision, especially during transitions between sections.
- Bring out the sleigh bell accompaniment subtly in early rehearsals, then gradually let it bloom as confidence builds.
- Maintain a steady, processional tempo throughout; this is pageantry, not urgency.
How to use it
Perfect for a winter or holiday concert opener that showcases your ensemble's growing musicality without exposing technical limitations. It reads as a complete, professionally arranged piece at Grade 0.5, making it ideal for setting a confident tone early in the program.
Skills your students will build
- Playing sustained open fifths in tune
- Trading melody between upper and lower sections
- Maintaining rhythmic precision with processional tempos
- Balancing featured and accompanying roles within a single arrangement
- Responding to conductor cues during section transitions