When Saint Nick Comes Marching In - A New Orleans Holiday Celebration: 1st Mallet Percussion
A New Orleans Holiday Celebration
Arranged by Robert W. Smith
Grade: 3.5
Item: 98-PC-RWS1719_M1
$3.99
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Description
New Orleans and its unique music history has impacted the entire world through the roots of jazz and popular music. Beginning with a trumpet solo inspired by Louis Armstrong, the piece quickly transitions to a Dixieland Jazz quintet. The full band, in the tradition of the New Orleans Brass Bands, joins the street parade with Saint Nick leading the celebration shouting "Heaux, Heaux, Heaux!" Staging and performance options abound. This will be the hit of your holiday concert!
Original Item#: RWS-1719-00
Original Item#: RWS-1719-00
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Additional Details
Series:
RWS - Concert Band
Publisher:
RWS Music Company
SKU:
98-PC-RWS1719_M1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith ranks among America's most recorded composers for concert band and orchestra, with over 400 published works spanning original compositions, arrangements, and orchestrations. He holds degrees from Troy State University and the University of Miami, and his symphonies (The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey) and ensemble works like The Tempest have become repertoire standards performed across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Beyond the concert hall, Smith's music has appeared on major television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and countless national events. His work as a conductor and clinician has taken him throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe, reinforcing his influence on contemporary band music education and professional performance.
Why we love this
Smith captures the infectious energy of New Orleans street parade tradition while keeping the writing accessible at Grade 3.5. The piece builds dramatically from an Armstrong-inspired trumpet solo through Dixieland voicings to full brass band texture, giving every section meaningful musical moments without requiring virtuosic technique. Audiences love it, students find it genuinely fun to play, and the staging flexibility means you can adapt it to your venue and ensemble size.
What to expect
The piece radiates street-parade joy and New Orleans warmth. You hear the legacy of jazz and brass band tradition threaded through accessible harmonies and clear textures, creating something that feels both celebratory and genuinely musical rather than novelty-driven.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for Grade 3.5 concert bands that want authentic New Orleans character without excessive technical demands. It's ideal for programs that value strong melodic writing, rhythmic clarity, and audience engagement in equal measure.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the trumpet soloist in the opening against the accompaniment; this voice drives the character of the piece and should be heard clearly even in the context of ensemble support.
- Lock the rhythm section (low reeds and bass) into a steady, relaxed swing feel during the Dixieland quintet section; this groove underpins everything that follows.
- Lean into the brass band tradition by letting the full ensemble play with rhythmic confidence and slight articulation separation rather than over-legato phrasing.
- Rehearse the "Heaux, Heaux, Heaux!" shout sections with dynamic control so they land with fun impact without overwhelming the melodic content around them.
How to use it
Program this as a headline piece in your winter concert, especially if you're building a thematic set around American musical traditions or regional music history. It pairs well with other holiday fare but also stands alone as an entertaining finale that sends audiences out smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Swing rhythm and jazz articulation
- Balance between solo and ensemble textures
- Brass band arranging principles and style conventions
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated passages
- Dynamic control and character-driven expression