KATHERINE K. DAVIS LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
arranged for percussion ensemble by Michael
CAROL OF THE DRUM
Words and Music by KATHERINE K. DAVIS © 1941 (Renewed) EMI MILLS MUSIC, INC.
All Rights Controlled and Administered by EMI MILLS MUSIC, INC. (Publishing) and ALFRED PUBLISHING CO., INC. (Print) This Arrangement © 2025 EMI MILLS MUSIC, INC. Used by Permission of ALFRED MUSIC tapspace.com
Notice of Liability: Any duplication, adaptation, or arrangement of this composition requires the written consent of the copyright owner. No part of this composition may be photocopied or reproduced in any way without permission. Unauthorized uses are an infringement of the U.S. Copyright Act and are punishable by law.
TSPCE25-025
Huestis
PROGRAM & PERFORMANCE NOTES
Arranged by Michael Huestis, Little Drummer Boy is an easy percussion ensemble arrangement for 6-10 young performers based upon the traditional holiday classic written by Katherine K. Davis (originally titled “Carol of the Drum”). Little Drummer Boy features the snare drum as the focal point on which the rest of the arrangement is built. This arrangement uses simple rhythms and patterns, utilizes a beginner-friendly key of F major, and follows intuitive dynamic shaping.
Some parts are optional, as long as the melody and harmony are covered.
• The melody can be accomplished by playing the glockenspiel part, xylophone part, or both.
• The harmony can be accomplished by playing the vibraphone part, marimba 1 part, or both.
• The tambourine and/or cymbal parts may be omitted.
Keyboard parts may also be doubled to expand the ensemble. If you are going to double, begin by doubling the xylophone or glockenspiel (melody) before doubling the vibraphone or marimba 1 (harmony) or marimba 2 (rhythmic/harmonic foundation). If doubled, the xylophone part may be played in the upper register of a marimba.
PLAYERS AND INSTRUMENTATION
Little Drummer Boy requires 6-10 players with the following instrumentation:
1. Glockenspiel
2. Xylophone
3. Vibraphone
4. Marimba 1 (share w/ M2)
5. Marimba 2 (low A)
6. 4 Timpani (32”, 29”, 26”, 23”)
7. Snare drum
8. Bass drum
9. Tambourine*
10. Hand cymbals*
*optional
SUGGESTED SETUP
LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
OF THE DRUM
Words and Music by KATHERINE K. DAVIS © 1941 (Renewed) EMI MILLS MUSIC, INC.
All Rights Controlled and Administered by EMI MILLS MUSIC, INC. (Publishing) and ALFRED PUBLISHING CO., INC. (Print)
This Arrangement © 2025 EMI MILLS MUSIC, INC. Used by Permission of ALFRED MUSIC
K. DAVIS ARRANGED BY MICHAEL HUESTIS
CAROL
KATHERINE
