We Five Kings: E-flat Alto Saxophone
Arr. Mark Williams
Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0000809_AX1
$3.00
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Description
The holiday stories of the wise men usually mention three kings. Not this year! Now there are five! We Five Kings gives the familiar carol a twist by putting it and Greensleeves (What Child is This) in 5/4 time! This arrangement really rocks with a cool groove and active percussion parts. A charming addition to your young band library.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, We Five Kings: E-flat Alto Saxophone 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:
Challenger Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
126
SKU:
00-PC-0000809_AX1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Mark Williams
Mark Williams built his reputation as a composer and arranger deeply committed to school band education. His catalog of over 200 works for band, orchestra, and choir reflects decades spent understanding what young musicians need to grow musically and stay engaged. He co-authored the Accent on Achievement Band Method and taught elementary band in Washington for many years, grounding his compositional voice in real classroom experience.
Beyond the printed page, Williams was an active clinician and guest conductor who traveled to 34 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. He held degrees in music education from Eastern Washington University and performed professionally as a bassoon soloist and woodwind arranger for the 560th Air Force Band. His contributions earned recognition including the Gralia Competition award and multiple ASCAP Special Awards. He served as conductor and artistic director for the Spokane British Brass Band, maintaining his commitment to performance alongside his prolific writing.
Why we love this
This arrangement ingeniously transforms two beloved carols into a single unified piece by setting both melodies in 5/4 time. The Grade 2 voicing keeps the harmonic language accessible while the rhythmic groove and active percussion parts inject genuine energy that young musicians actually want to play. It's distinctive enough to stand out on a winter concert without demanding technical virtuosity.
What to expect
Buoyant and rhythmically alive, this arrangement gives two traditional carols a contemporary energy. The 5/4 setting creates an almost dancing quality that feels modern while the two melodies weave together like a conversation between old friends in new clothes.
Who it's for
Young concert bands at the Grade 2 level looking for fresh holiday repertoire that challenges their musicality without exceeding their technical range. This works equally well for ensembles that want to program something familiar but reimagined, or for directors seeking an engaging piece that keeps student interest through an unconventional meter.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the 5/4 pulse early in rehearsals by conducting with a clear one-and-two-and-three pattern. Young musicians often want to default to duple meter, so establish the five-beat foundation before adding melodic or harmonic layers.
- Balance the percussion parts carefully so they enhance the groove without overwhelming the winds. The percussion writing is active but should sit underneath the main melodic voices.
- Articulate the transition between the two carol melodies distinctly so the audience recognizes both "We Three Kings" and "Greensleeves" within the same arrangement. A slight breath or textural shift helps audiences track the musical journey.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece on your winter concert where it can serve as either a lighthearted opener that sets an energetic tone or a mid-program change of pace. It pairs well with more solemn holiday selections, offering contrast without sacrificing the season's spirit.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing in 5/4 time signature
- Maintaining pulse in irregular meters while tracking melodic lines
- Balancing multiple melodic layers and recognizing thematic material
- Responding to percussion-driven arrangements and groove-based ensemble coordination