“Shepherds’ Rocking Carol” is a traditional Czechoslovakian folk tune (“Hajej, nynej, Jezisku”) with lyrics loosely translated by the Anglican clergyman, Percy Dearmer. With Ralph Vaughan Williams, Dearmer was co-editor of The English Hymnal (1906) as well as The Oxford Book of Carols (1928), in which his translation, “Little Jesus, Sweetly Sleep,” appears with the Czech tune.

This arrangement for young/developing band is an ideal vehicle for the budding oboist, featuring the oboe on melody in the first presentation of the tune and recapitulating at the work’s end. (A clarinet solo / substitute for oboe part is provided.)

Although conservative in range and technical demands, “Shepherds’ Rocking Carol” incorporates a variety of instrumental, dynamic, and harmonic contrasts that make it both simple and elegant, and ideal for developing musicianship in every section of the band.