When The Saints Go Marching In

Normally we wouldn't have two Dixieland-style pieces in the same issue, but we have been wanting to arrange this jazz classic for recorder for many years. It is an often used song, but it plays an important place in the history of American music in its own way. Here is a perfect way to expose your students to the early history of jazz.

In old New Orleans, the bands played for funerals and wakes. They would walk slowly to the graveyard playing such mournful songs as "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," then after the departed was buried, they would leave with greater vigor to the strains of a more energetic tune. "Saints" was one of the most famous ones. Actually, it got to be so famous that some traditional jazz groups hated to play it time and time again. It is said that in more than one jazz club the sign would read, "Requests - $1.00; Saints - $5.00."

For this arrangement, we have assembled a nice ensemble of jazz players. While these groups varied in instrumentation, they most often included at least trumpet, clarinet, trombone, tuba, banjo, piano, and drums. Listen for these instruments on the recording and see how they work into the fabric of the arrangement. Recorders weren't a part of the original Dixieland jazz groups, but there were no strict rules, so your players can join in with the spirit of the old timers. They only need to be able to play G, A, B, C, and D.

If you are feeling bold and wanting to discuss improvisation, you may want your players to improvise during the second time through the song. At the very least, let them improvise a bit using the notes they know while the last chord is played. And always remember, in the improvisation, anything is fair game. The creativity is the ultimate goal.