Saints!!!

Saints!!! for concert band is a concert piece adapted from the version I wrote for professional orchestra. The piece is an unabashed romp through traditional songs about saints including When The Saints Go Marchin’ In, St. Louis Blues, and St. James Infirmary Blues. The introduction is an homage to the traditional New Orleans street funeral parade that breaks into a celebration. The Dixieland Soli passage starting at 24 is entirely written out but can be improvised by those with the appropriate skills, however, I do prefer that the soli section at bars 50 – 51 be played as written so as to finish off the phrase nicely before the next phrase begins (pickups to 52). Similarly, the soli section at 120 – 128 should be played as written or close thereto. And the soli at 147 – 164 should also be played as written. 

It is my hope that this piece will add to the standard repertoire and inspire and entertain musicians and audience alike.