Hopkins-We Three Kings arr. Tanner (SP)-B/V/2M/P

We Three Kings arranged by Simeon Tanner is a medium-easy percussion ensemble setting of the beloved Christmas carol by John Henry Hopkins Jr. Inspired by the journey of the magi, this arrangement opens with a Middle Eastern atmosphere and unfolds through percussive storytelling, using colorful textures ideal for holiday programming.

Scored for 8 players, the arrangement allows for flexible part doubling and adaptation to available instruments. Both marimba parts can be played on a single 4.3-octave marimba if needed. Directors may augment the hand drum part with bongos, congas, frame drums, djembe, etc.

• Number of players: 8
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Instrumentation:
• Player 1: Glockenspiel, bass drum
• Player 2: Vibraphone, high tom
• Player 3: Marimba 1 (4.3 or 5 octave, shared w/Player 4), low tom
• Player 4: Marimba 2, medium tom, Mark tree
• Player 5: Tambourine
• Player 6: Caxixi, medium shaker
• Player 7: High hand drum (bongos, doumbek, etc.), finger cymbals
• Player 8: Low hand drum (conga, djembe, etc.)