When The Saints Go Marching In (arr. Rick Hein): 2-Part Choral Octavo

Rick Hein's arrangement respects the song's core identity while making it genuinely singable for younger or developing choirs. The 2-part voicing opens this beloved standard to ensembles that might otherwise skip it, and Hein's orchestration choices keep the arrangement lean and effective without sacrificing character.

Jubilant and grounded simultaneously. The melody carries an infectious optimism rooted in genuine spiritual depth, and even in a straightforward arrangement, the tune radiates warmth and quiet confidence.

Any choir with singers who can manage basic two-part independence will find an accessible entry point here. This works especially well for middle school choirs, developing high school groups, or community ensembles looking to add a culturally significant piece without overreaching technically.

• Shape the melody with gentle dynamic peaks rather than maintaining a constant level; this melody asks for expressive phrasing, not mechanical execution.
• Balance the two parts so neither disappears, but let the top voice carry the primary line for listeners familiar with the traditional tune.
• Sing through the entire form once to internalize the harmonic journey before focusing on individual sections.

Consider this for a concert exploring African American musical traditions, or as an opening number that immediately connects with audience familiarity and emotional investment. Six pages keeps rehearsal time reasonable, making it an efficient choice when you want cultural substance without excessive preparation demands.

• Part independence in a homophonic texture
• Melodic phrasing and dynamic shaping
• Singing a well-known tune with musical intention rather than rote familiarity
• Harmonic listening between two distinct vocal lines