The song “When The Saints Go Marching In” was originally written as a gospel hymn, or a song to be sung in church. Watch as Columbus Jazz Orchestra pianist Bobby Floyd performs the piece as a gospel hymn:

Marching bands were also popular in New Orleans after the Civil War. They would perform at parades, carnivals, funerals and other social events. Watch as the Bobby and his quartet perform “Saints” as a traditional marching band song. What differences do you notice between the gospel hymn and the marching band version?

Jazz was created in New Orleans when musicians combined elements of church music and marching bands with African blues and rhythmic style. Most importantly, jazz musicians improvise, meaning they use their imaginations to create a brand new version of the music without any written notes! Watch as Bobby and the quartet perform “Saints” in a jazz style.

• Can you hear the melody of the song?

• Can you hear the musicians improvise?

• How is the rhythm or groove different from the marching band version?