
Handbell Music Review
Volume 6
by Camille Ream
Handbells Etc.
Edmonton, Alberta
Three Fanfares: by Bisbee; 2 octaves; Level 1,2,2+

Each of these three fanfares are written at a different level. The first fanfare, Bell Peal in G is at level 1. This is only 15 measures long - I can see it being rung as a peal before processional or recessional music or to introduce a hymn. No bell changes are needed so ringers can ring this from the back of the sanctuary with no tables or foam needed. The second piece, Cascade For Chimes, is at level 2 and the final piece, Westminster Prelude, is at level 2+. This gives directors the ability to use this music as their choirs progress from easy to medium level music. It could also be used for three different choirs. All three pieces could be played equally effectively on Choirchimes® or handbells.

Fanfare of Praise: by Frier; 23 octaves (optional G3); Level 1

Most often we see Louise Frier's music is for bell trees. It is great to see her spreading her wings! This easy fanfare is very busy for the bells between G4 and G6 but not for the third octave. When assigning this piece for young ringers, you will need to take that into account.

March of Praise: by Stephenson; 345 octaves; Level 1

This original piece of music has most bell ringers pretty busy most of the time. It marches along joyfully with a metronome marking of 96 - 112 per quarter note. This music gives the ringers a chance to work on keeping a steady march beat.as well as a chance to work on the dynamics in the music.

Second Suite for Handbells: by Helman; 23 octave; Level 2

There are four parts to this suite (there were only three in the first one). These include Prelude, Soliloquy, Grand March, and Scherzo with each piece including different techniques. This music has been chosen for the mass ringing music Children's Handbell Festival in Edmonton. Prelude will be used this year with another piece chosen from the suite for next year.

The Heavens Are Telling: arr. Thompson; 3 octaves; Keyboard

This arrangement was used as one of the mass ringing pieces for the Manitoba Guild of English Handbell Ringers Spring Ring this April. The Heavens Are Telling, written by Haydn, was released for handbells and keyboard in 1989 so it definitely not a "New Release". Martha Lynn Thompson has done an absolutely wonderful job of bringing this music to life. The handbell music at most is a level 2 but with the addition of the keyboard part, it sounds much more difficult. If you are looking for a piece of music that sounds harder than it is, that sounds better than it looks on paper, I would certainly encourage you to purchase this for your choirs. It might just round out your repertoire perfectly!

Twelve Bells for Christmas II: arr. Cota (C5 - G6)

This book contains Mary, Did You Know; Come On, Ring Those Bells; Good King Wenceslas; He Is Born; West Indies Carol; and I Saw Three Ships. Cota has written a number of other books for 12 bells. What makes this book unique is that most of the selections include thumb damp which can make the music sound more interesting but also increases the challenge. When assigning the music, you might need to consider five or six ringers instead of only three. Remember it's not too early to think about Christmas.

Happy Birthday: arr. Wagner; 345 octaves

Everyone needs to be able to ring Happy Birthday at some time in their ringing career! This music starts out with the traditional sing a long verse for your audience to sing and then the fun starts for the ringers with 3 additional variations. Great fun for all!