Down by the Riverside is an Afro-American Spiritual Hymn and Song. This version is arranged as a duet for one Trumpet and one Tenor Saxophone.

Down by the Riverside was sung in African-American communities before the American Civil War but did not appear in print until included in a 1918 collection of spirituals. Several versions were recorded by gospel choirs in the ‘20s and ‘30s, and Down by the Riverside, with its lyric, "I ain’t goin’ to study war no more", was adopted as an anti-war song by the ‘60s counterculture.

Down by the Riverside is simply arranged in a key and range best suited to the instruments. Three choruses and two verses are played, with variations, in a gospel swing style. Click the link above to listen to a full Youtube performance of the Clarinet version of this duet.

Down by the Riverside is suitable for players at an intermediate level and above. With a performance time of around three minutes, this version of Down by the Riverside is perfect for worship and concert performances, both formal and informal.