Final answer:
The song “When the Saints Go Marching In” starts with a drum cadence, providing rhythm and pace. Drum cadences are common in marching songs to synchronize marchers. The tradition of drum cadences is historical and prevalent in both military and cultural contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The song “When the Saints Go Marching In” traditionally begins with a drum passage known as a drum cadence or street beat. This is a rhythmic drum pattern used to signal the start of the song and set the pace for the marching band.
The drum cadence serves as an introduction, rallying the band together before other instruments join in and the melody begins. In many marching songs and military marches, drum cadences are utilized to provide a steady tempo and to synchronize the steps of the marchers.
Within the context of the song, the drum cadence acts as the prelude or overture to the tune which later includes other band components such as brass and woodwind instruments.
It's important to note that marching songs like “When the Saints Go Marching In” have a rich history in both military and fictional narratives, as seen in various works by famed poet Walt Whitman and references to historic use in ancient Egypt and Rome.