Handbell Music Review

Volume 12

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

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Exultation - Ingram 23 octaves Level 1+

 

This beginning level piece would work well in either church or school settings. It is appropriate for both adult or children. It has no bell changes but uses a variety of techniques.

 

Percussive Praise "Mallet Melody"- McChesney 23 octaves Level 1+

 

Youth choirs will love this! An entire piece on mallets! The marking is 152-168 for the quarter note. Directors will have a challenge keeping this piece at a steady pace.

 

Communion Meditations - Tucker 345 octaves Level 2

 

Keep reading! Don't be afraid of the title. This music includes four different pieces, each with names appropriate for communion and also with secular names. These pieces can be played either consecutively or separately. There are repeats that can be used or omitted depending on the length of time your choir needs to ring. All four pieces are a meditative nature.

 

Halle, Halle, Hallelujah - Arr. Benhke 345 octaves Level 3- optional Maracas

 

This new release is an arrangement of a traditional Caribbean song. Once ringers have the rhythm, the notes will be easy. The addition of the maracas really brings this piece to life.

 

Gift of Peace - Dobrinski 345 octaves Level 3-

 

All choirs need a "peace" song in their repertoire. Cynthia Dobrinski writes the main theme as a wonderful peaceful melody. She then adds notes and rhythms to make the variations. As usual, she has included specific dynamic markings throughout the music. You might want to consider the use of Choirchimes® in this fantastic "peace" of music.

 

Celebration on 'Hyfrydol' - Arr. Edwards 3 octaves Level 3

 

This is one of my favourite hymn tunes and Dan Edwards has done a great job of celebrating it! There are lots of running bass notes that are staccato. He has asked that they be plucked or thumbdamped - not malleted! Lots of accidentals and technique make this truly a level 3. Although written for only 3 octaves, additional notes could be added to make it a 4 or 5 octaves piece.

 

Rejoice - Kent 345 octaves Level 3

 

The main theme is really catchy. The extra techniques used make it rejoicingly. It's recurrence will leave your ringers humming as they leave rehearsal. The ringers will need lots of energy to make the music sound as it should. There is some great mallet work for the bass ringers.

 

Sing for Joy and Be Glad (Psalm 90) - Morris 345 octaves Level 4+

 

Up for challenge? With the metronome marking of 120 for the quarter note and the meter alternating between 6/8 and 4/4 and then moving to a variety of others, this music may not initially sound joyful or glad! Add in the accidentals and techniques, and it seems almost impossible. Rehearse it for a while and it will truly be both joyful and glad!