Handbell Music Review
Volume 1
by Camille Ream
Handbells Etc.
Edmonton, Alberta
The Lions & Their "Den-er" Guests: Level 1+; Arr. Tammy Waldrop; 2/3 octaves; With narration

Tammy Waldrop's Ring a Story series has been hugely successful . This story takes about 8 - 10 minutes and is told through the eyes of the lions. This story is based on the story about Daniel and the Lions. It is an excellent way to involve another member of your congregation in your handbell program. Although it is graded at Level 1+, it is fun for ringers of all ages and ringing abilities. Tammy has even included little a "rap" for the ringers!
Music by Tammy Waldrop of Texas
Tammy Waldrop is most famous for her "Ring-a-Story" series. These stories from the Bible are told through narration and handbells and have been used very successfully by many of our customers. They incorporate many handbell techniques along with excerpts from familiar tunes. They are all Level 1 or 2 and are written for 2 or 3 octave choirs. Tammy has most recently written Noah and the Ark for 2 or 3 octaves. Don't be fooled - these are for ringers of all ages, not just children! Her titles include: The Lions and their "Den-er" Guests (reviewed above); The Resurrection and the Book ; Mary, Joseph, and the Baby; Joshua, Jericho and the Walls; Noah and the Ark; Paul and Silas; Joseph and the Coat

Sing We Now of Christmas: (Now the Green Blade Riseth); Level 2
Arr. Martha Lynn Thompson; 345 octaves

This very versatile piece can be played during the Christmas or Easter season depending on the text you choose to use. It can also be used during the Lent season if you use the text "Jesus is Waiting". Martha Lynn starts and ends the piece with full strong chords where all ringers are busy. The medieval middle type melody is enhanced in the middle section with stopped sounds (i.e. plucks or mallets).

Rise Up Shepherd and Follow: Level 2; Arr. Kevin McChesney 345 octaves; Optional Choirchimes®

This African American spiritual is also referred to as "There's a Star in the East". This piece starts out quietly with the melody rung in octaves in the treble clef. Soon the chords become full and the sound grows. The middle section has a wonderful running base section that is first plucked or malleted and then rung. The Choirchimes® play for only a short passage to enhance the melody. The end leaves you knowing the shepherds have followed the Star to Bethlehem.

The First Noel: Level 2
Arr. Kevin McChesney 2/3 octaves

This traditional English Carol is brilliantly set in a 4/4 meter instead of the usual 3/4 meter. The music flows beautifully with the LV accompaniment. This arrangement will work well for you at Christmas when you are short a couple of ringers. Parts can easily be reassigned so the piece is rung as a 2 octave piece.

Land of the Silver Birch: Level 2+; Arr. Patricia Thomson (Canadian Composer); 345 octaves; Optional percussion

Although the origin of this is unknown, this melody is a favourite among Canadian Schools. The percussion really add to this piece. Although the piece is a Level 2+, it is certainly playable by school choirs. Thanks Pat, for another great piece!
Mary's Cradle Song: Level 2+; Arr. Karen Lakey Buckwalter
345 octaves; Optional flute

This traditional Austrian melody is a great alternative to some of the more traditional Christmas melodies. The optional flute part, which could be played by a C-Instrument or Choirchimes®, really enhances the piece of music and should be used if at all possible. The relaxing and lilting melody is sure to make any baby fall asleep.

Be Thou My Vision: Level 3; Arr. David Schwoebel; 345 octaves; With flute

David has done a wonderful job of setting this traditional Irish melody for handbells and flute. The windchime-like random ringing by the bells with the additions of the melody written with almost no meter is a great start to the piece. He builds it from there and it unfolds just as it should. He adds a few TDs and marts on to add flavour to the piece - just enough so it keeps the mood that he wants to portray. I love this arrangement!

Fantasia on Forest Green: Level 3; Arr. Lloyd Larsen 345 octaves

This traditional English melody can be used for Thanksgiving (As Those of Old Their First Fruits Brought) or in the spring (All Beautiful the March of Days). The piece begins with the traditional melody as we know it. Lloyd then puts in a syncopated pattern in both the melody and the accompaniment that pushes the piece into a faster and driven tempo. He builds and adds until the end where the music ends with an fff full of marts, shakes, and accents. It's fantastic!

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