The Rockin' Drummer Boy: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Words and music by Harry Simeone, Henry Onorati, and Katherine K. Davis / arr. Robert W. Smith and Michael Story
Grade: 0.5 (Very Easy) (Yellow)
Item: 00-PK-0001462
$56.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
First the groove is established, then the clarinets introduce this familiar melody, followed by the rest of the ensemble joining in, with the percussion and low brass rocking in the background. A wonderful holiday choice for your first year ensemble to play after only a few months of instruction! (1:53)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Rockin' Drummer Boy: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Series:
Band Expressions
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
144
SKU:
00-PK-0001462
More about this title
About the Composer: Harry Simeone
Harry Simeone (1911-1997) composed and arranged sacred and popular music throughout his career, with particular success in bringing holiday material to concert and recording audiences. His work frequently bridged classical ensemble traditions and contemporary popular styles, making concert music accessible to developing musicians.
Why we love this
Michael Story's arrangement captures the playful energy of a rock groove while keeping the famous melody front and center, making it genuinely fun for young musicians to perform. The orchestration builds intelligently from clarinet solo through full ensemble, giving every section something rewarding to play and allowing you to shape the arrangement across a rehearsal or two.
What to expect
A familiar holiday tune given a contemporary, groove-oriented treatment that feels modern without losing warmth. The rock sensibility energizes the arrangement while the clarity of the melody keeps it recognizable and comforting, creating a piece that audiences enjoy hearing and young musicians enjoy playing.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands with just a few months of instruction. The arrangement assumes a functional rhythm section and sections capable of sustained melodic lines but does not demand advanced technique or independence. This is an ideal choice when your ensemble is ready to move beyond fundamentals but still needs straightforward, engaging material.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the drum groove in the opening measures as the foundation. Lock that rhythm with the bass drum and kick pattern before bringing in the melody; it's the engine that drives the whole arrangement.
- Balance the clarinet melody against the rocking accompaniment in the low brass and percussion. The familiar tune needs to sing, but not so loudly that it drowns out the groove underneath.
- Keep the rock feel steady and light rather than heavy. This isn't a march; the pulse should feel contemporary and energetic without dragging.
- Bring out the percussion section as featured voices. They're not just keeping time; they're part of the musical statement, especially in those background rocking moments.
How to use it
Program this as a winter concert opener or mid-set energy builder. The novelty element and infectious groove make it an excellent bridge between classical holiday repertoire and more contemporary holiday selections, and its brief length (1:53) positions it perfectly as a standalone feature or as part of a multipiece holiday suite.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing rock rhythm patterns in a concert band context
- Balancing melody and accompaniment in an ensemble texture
- Maintaining steady pulse in a groove-based arrangement
- Coordinating articulation across sections to support a consistent style
- Understanding contemporary arranging approaches to traditional material