Katherine K. Davis Sheet Music

About Katherine K. Davis

Katherine K. Davis was a distinguished American composer, pianist, arranger, and educator, widely recognized for her prolific output, particularly in sacred and secular choral music. While she penned over 600 compositions, her enduring legacy is largely cemented by the beloved Christmas carol "The Little Drummer Boy," originally titled "The Carol of the Drum." Her work significantly contributed to choral literature and music education, making her a notable figure in 20th-century American music.

  • Katherine K. Davis composed her first piece of music, "Shadow March," at the age of 15.
  • She pursued advanced musical studies in Paris with the eminent conductor and teacher Nadia Boulanger.
  • Davis stated that "The Carol of the Drum" (The Little Drummer Boy) came to her while she was trying to take a nap, and she later quipped that it had been "done to death on radio and TV."
  • She bequeathed all royalties and proceeds from her vast catalog of compositions to the Music Department at Wellesley College, her alma mater, to support musical instrument instruction.

Performing Katherine K. Davis's music offers a rewarding experience for a diverse range of musicians, from school and church choirs to pianists and organists. Her compositions, which include operas, choruses, children's operettas, cantatas, and solo instrumental pieces, were often crafted with practicality in mind, making them highly suitable for both trained and untrained singers. Musicians will find her sheet music accessible and engaging, reflecting her appreciation for simplicity, strong faith, and the joys of the holidays and childhood, elements that resonate deeply with performers and audiences alike.

Search all Katherine K. Davis