Little Drummer Boy arrangement

Little Drummer Boy show band arrangement by Bill Fulton was created for the 2009 production of Holiday Spirit at Ebony Repertory Theater in Los Angeles. Fulton prepared the arrangement for clients Stewart Wilson-Turner and Stuart K. Robinson as part of the music for the live holiday show.

Little Drummer Boy was one of several pieces Fulton arranged for the production. Other selections included All I’ll Ever Need, Carol of the Bells, and Heights Medley. Although the pieces shared the same production setting, each arrangement needed to establish its own musical identity.

Little Drummer Boy for Holiday Spirit 2009

Holiday Spirit was presented at Ebony Repertory Theater on December 13, 2009. The production provided Fulton with an opportunity to arrange familiar holiday material specifically for a live show band and theatrical setting.

Effective show-band arranging requires both musical creativity and practical writing. The arranger must consider the musicians, the venue, and the role each selection plays within the production. Furthermore, a familiar song presents its own challenge. An arrangement should respect the identity of the piece while giving the performance a distinctive musical treatment.

Arranging Music for Live Performance

Bill Fulton’s work includes arranging, composing, orchestrating, and performing. He has written for many types of ensembles, including big band, little big band, orchestra, chamber groups, strings, horn sections, and rhythm sections. His professional work also includes music for recordings, live productions, film, and television.

The Little Drummer Boy arrangement reflects the practical side of that experience. Music created for a theatrical production must fit into a larger program. Therefore, pacing, dynamics, instrumental balance, and transitions can become just as important as the individual notes.

This arrangement remains part of Fulton’s portfolio of commissioned and professional arranging work. It also documents his contribution to the musical program for Holiday Spirit 2009.

Explore more arranging and composing work by Bill Fulton, including projects for jazz ensembles, orchestras, vocalists, and other professional performers.

For custom arranging, orchestration, or composition inquiries, contact Bill Fulton Music.

Year: 2009
Job Category: Arranger
Title: Little Drummer Boy
Ensemble: combo
Client: Stewart Wilson-Turner & Stuart K Robinson
Description: Holiday Spirit 2009 at Ebony Repertory Theater
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)