The Little Drummer Boy: 2-Part Choral Octavo
Words and music by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone / arr. Kirby Shaw
Level: Moderate
Item: 00-PO-0004829
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Here's a fresh, new approach to a Christmas classic from the talented pen of Kirby Shaw. With its rhythmic drive and Latin feel, this one is a guaranteed winner with your choirs and praise teams. Don't miss it!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0004829
More about this title
About the Composer: Katherine K. Davis
Katherine K. Davis composed "The Little Drummer Boy" in 1941, creating one of the most enduring modern Christmas songs. Her gift for writing accessible, singable melodies that resonate across generations has made this piece a staple in choral and popular music.
Why we love this
Kirby Shaw's arrangement transforms this beloved carol into a rhythmically propulsive, Latin-influenced setting that feels contemporary without losing the song's essential warmth. The 2-part voicing keeps it manageable for developing choirs while the groovy accompaniment keeps singers and audiences engaged. It's the kind of piece that gets genuine excitement in the room.
What to expect
Rhythmically infectious and warmly reverent all at once. The Latin percussion and steady pulse drive the piece forward while the melody maintains the introspective quality of the original. It's contemporary and accessible without ever feeling saccharine.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for middle school, high school, and community choirs looking for a fresh Christmas selection with contemporary appeal. It's equally at home in a holiday pops concert or a praise team seeking music with modern groove and spiritual substance.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the rhythm section early in rehearsals. The Latin feel only lands if your ensemble commits to the groove rather than pushing or dragging the pulse.
- Let the recorded accompaniment set the tempo and pocket for your first few run-throughs. Singers often find the rhythmic confidence they need by following the groove rather than starting a cappella.
- Balance the two parts so the lower voices anchor the harmonic foundation. This arrangement depends on both parts being clearly heard to create the full texture Shaw wrote.
- Maintain lyrical expression even during rhythmic passages. The text is devotional, so keep emotional connection alive beneath the Latin energy.
How to use it
Pair this with either traditional carols or other pop-influenced holiday pieces to create a balanced Christmas concert. The moderate difficulty and engaging sound make it an ideal anchor for a secular holiday pops set, or a bridge piece in a sacred holiday service that includes both traditional and contemporary music.
Skills your students will build
- Singing syncopated rhythms and maintaining pulse in a Latin groove
- Balance and blend in 2-part writing with rhythmic accompaniment
- Stylistic interpretation of pop and sacred music conventions
- Following a recorded accompaniment while maintaining independent vocal line