The Little Drummer Boy
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — With warmth, power, and reverence, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay delivered a moving performance of “The Little Drummer Boy”—the beloved holiday classic by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati, and Harry Simeone—arranged for choir by Mark Hayes. The performance was part of the chorus’s vibrant winter concert “Slay Bells”, held at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg.
Mark Hayes’ choral arrangement elevated the familiar carol to new musical heights, weaving in intricate harmonies, dynamic contrasts, and a dramatic arc that allowed the ensemble to showcase its vocal strength and expressive range. From the moment the soft “pa-rum-pum-pum-pum” motif began, the audience was drawn into the story of the humble drummer boy offering his simple gift to the newborn Christ—a narrative of modesty, sincerity, and heartfelt devotion.
The chorus leaned into the emotional core of the piece, delivering each phrase with clarity and tenderness. Swells of sound built gradually throughout the performance, echoing the boy’s growing confidence as he played his drum. The climactic moments were rich and resonant, filling the sanctuary with waves of sound that felt both grand and deeply intimate. Solo lines were handled with sensitivity, and the rhythmic pulse—a hallmark of this carol—was steady and compelling without overpowering the ensemble’s lyrical focus.
In the context of “Slay Bells”, a concert known for its mix of humor, sparkle, and heartfelt tradition, “The Little Drummer Boy” stood out as a moment of sincere reflection. It captured the spirit of giving not in extravagance, but in authenticity—a message beautifully mirrored by the chorus’s honest, soulful delivery.
As the final chords faded into the sanctuary, a hush fell over the audience before applause erupted, a testament to the emotional impact of the performance. It was a moment of quiet majesty, reminding everyone present that sometimes the simplest songs—and the simplest gifts—carry the most meaning. With this unforgettable rendition, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay reaffirmed their ability not only to entertain, but to move and inspire.