The Little Drummer Boy: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo
Arr. Jay Althouse
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0004710
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
Pickup currently not available
Description
The classic K.K. Davis song combined with the arranging talents of Jay Althouse has created a fresh new edition of this long-time favorite. Simple, yet elegant could describe the approach that Jay has taken with this new arrangement, and it will surely be the new standard in settings of this great holiday song. A must for every choir!
The Little Drummer Boy: 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004710
More about this title
About the Arranger: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse studied Music Education and Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His career spans both administrative work in educational music publishing and prolific composition; he holds over 800 choral works in print and maintains membership in ASCAP with regular recognition through their Special Award program.
Beyond composition, Althouse has shaped music education through multiple channels: co-authored pedagogical texts including The Complete Choral Warm-up Book and Accent on Composers, compiled vocal collections, and created reproducible classroom materials. His collaborative work with his wife Sally K. Albrecht includes children's musicals and I Hear America Singing, performed at President Obama's 2009 inauguration. He has served on the boards of the North Carolina Master Chorale and the Folk Art Society of America.
Why we love this
Althouse strips away unnecessary complexity without sacrificing musical warmth. His arrangement honors the song's timeless melody while creating genuine three-part writing that engages all voices, making this the definitive modern setting for directors seeking a piece that balances accessibility with genuine choral substance.
What to expect
Reverent yet accessible, the arrangement treats this carol with respect for its spiritual roots while remaining inviting for singers of modest experience. The straightforward voicing opens space for the story itself to resonate, making room for meaningful interpretation rather than technical display.
Who it's for
Any mixed choir at grades 3-4 seeking holiday repertoire that demands modest technical skill but genuine musicality. This works equally well for community choirs, church programs, and school ensembles looking to program something recognizable without resorting to oversimplified voicings.
How to get the most out of it
- Emphasize the lyrical quality of the melody line; the restraint in the arrangement serves the song's emotional simplicity rather than detracting from it.
- Balance the parts carefully during rehearsal to ensure the accompanimental voices support rather than compete with the tune.
- Take advantage of the recorded accompaniment to help establish pitch security and tempo before full ensemble rehearsals.
- Consider light articulation on repeated phrases to prevent the familiar melody from becoming static.
How to use it
This earns its place on a holiday concert as a program anchor. Pair it with a contrasting festival arrangement or spiritual for variety, or use it as your ensemble's accessible entry point into more sophisticated seasonal literature. The moderate difficulty and 12-page length make it reasonable to learn alongside other December repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing three independent melodic lines with different rhythmic profiles
- Sustaining legit tone across longer phrase lines
- Reading mixed meter changes (if present in the arrangement)
- Interpreting dynamic and textural variety within a simple harmonic framework