When the Saint's

“When the Saints Go Marching in” Is often referred to as “The Saints” or “Oh when the Saints” is a Black spiritual song. It originated as a Christian hymn and is often played by jazz bands. It was famously recorded in 1938 by Louis Armstrong. The origins of this song are unclear but it evolved in the early 1900’s. The tune is particularly associated with the city of New Orleans. As a jazz standard, it has been recorded by a great many jazz and pop artists, such as Elvis Presley, Harry James, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lee Lewis and the politically influenced folk singer, Woody Guthrie, who did an anti-war version called “When the Yanks Go Marching in”

This particular arrangement seeks to tell the story of this tune in New Orleans culture. Starting with a spiritual passage it then moves through a more uplifting gospel mood, with a hint of what Jelly Roll Morton called the "Spanish Tinge". The piece bursts into life with a classic dixie style presentation concluding with a funkier edge in the manner of the present-day New Orleans brass bands.

Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. From 1987 Jock based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Jock is a former Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and was the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band from 2004 until 2020. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an “Honorary Fellowship of the University of Winchester” for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for their Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for “Services to Youth” by Brass Bands England.