Handbell Music Review

Volume 10

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

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Shenandoah 23 octaves Level 1

Arr. Ingram

 

This American chantey song can be rung on handbells or chimes. The echo on the chimes can be done by touching the sides of the chimes tyne with a finger in the correct rhythm.

 

Timbrel and Dance 345 octaves Level 2+

McChesney

 

This original piece is full of fun. Lots of mallet work for the basses (I would recommend malleting because of the pace of the music. It will be easier to get the rhythm even by malleting than with plucks.) Imagine, a great piece with no bell changes. This will allow ringers to work on techniques and rhythms instead of worrying about bell changes.

 

Moses & the Perfect Ten 23 octaves with narration Level 2

By Waldrop

 

This is from the Ring-a-Story series. Based on the story of Moses and the ten commandments, with narration and music. The story is told from the perspective of the Moses's walking staff, Rod. Between narration is a variety of sacred, secular and original music. We will be playing this at our "Good Humor" Sunday Worship service. Our minister is excited to portray Rod.

 

London Bells 3-6 octaves

Arr. Winter

 

It is always fun for church choirs to learn secular music. My choirs go out once or twice a year to ring in the community. Each year, I look at purchasing some thing secular to add variety to the concerts. This is the one to be added this year. Everyone knows the traditional nursery rhythm Oranges and Lemons. This piece combines the music of Westminster Chimes and the nursery rhyme Oranges and Lemons. Oranges and Lemons is heard in a variety of styles including ragtime and rumba. Lots of fun!

 

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain 345 octaves Level 3 opt. two trumpets

Arr. Tucker

 

I always am on the lookout for music that use other instruments. This adds variety to the handbell program but also allows the opportunity for other musicians to be involved. I think that high school trumpet players should be able to play this music. Trumpets add the fanfare and flash to this music.

 

Divertimento No. 3 in E Flat Major 345 octaves Level 3+

Arr. Thompson

 

Thompson has done a great job of arranging this familiar Mozart composition. Initially, it looks very playable with minimal bell changes, no time signature or tempo changes. The challenge will not only the sixteenth notes but also keeping it musically light and rhythmically steady. The high trebles will need to study their score carefully as E and F7 do not always play at the same time as the E6 and F6 do.

 

Rejoice and Be Glad 3 or 5 octaves Level 4

By Moklebust

 

The title matches this music perfectly! This music was first published in 1990 and has been released in 2002. It has a main theme must be played "happily" at a pace of 144 -152 for the quarter note. No key changes but lots of tempo changes. Great opening piece for a concert.