Handbell Music Review

Volume 9

by Camille Ream

Handbells Etc.

Edmonton, Alberta

 

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A Simple Song of Joy 23 octaves Level 1 optional C instrument

By Michael Keller

 

This terrific original handbell music can be rung either on handbells or Choirchimes®. For something extra special, there is an optional C instrument part. The upper two and lower two bell assignments are not very busy so could be rung by two ringers instead of four. I am hoping to use this with my youth choir and have one of the ringers play her flute with us.

 

A Bit of Handel 23 octaves Level 1

Arr. Elery Rogers

 

This music consists of three simple pieces by Handel. They include Awake, My Soul (While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks), Pastoral Symphony (from the Messiah) and the Hallelujah Chorus (one of Handel's most well known compositions). I think it would be impressive to have the ringers be accompanied by the organ for the Hallelujah Chorus. This music should give young ringers an appreciation for classical music!

 

Chime Suite 23 octaves Level 1

By Hollander

 

This is another great group of pieces for beginning ringers. Each piece is two pages long so no page turns and also has a repeat. The titles include Faith, Hope and Love. The last two might be great for the Sunday services in Advent.

 

Old Time "Hallelujah" Religion 23 octaves Level 2

Arr. Waldrop

 

I always enjoy Tammy Waldrop's music - including this one. She has combine the spiritual with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. It is full of techniques and key changes to keep ringers both interested and happy! It is one of those pieces that I think would work equally well for adult or youth ringers! I am not sure which choir of mine will be ringing this!

 

Rigaudon 345 octaves Level 2

Arr. Robert Ivey

 

Another Handel piece! This majestic one is at a level 2. This music is written in cut time and has many different dynamic settings but has few bell changes! Another way to add some classical music to your repertoire.

 

Mountain Springs 345 octaves Level 2

By Sondra Tucker

 

This original handbell music is dance like and has a Scottish sound to it. The piece is comprised of two different melodies with lots of eighth notes. Paint a picture for your ringers and audience to give them a clear idea of the descriptiveness this music has to offer.

 

Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us 345 octaves Level 3

Arr. Arnold Sherman

 

I always am intrigued when arrangers can hear how two melodies can be intertwined. In this piece Arnold Sherman combines Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach with Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us by Bradbury. I think this is a great alternative for a Christmas piece.

 

Child So Lovely 345 Level 3 opt Choirchimes® and percussion

Arr. Martha Lynn Thompson

 

What a great piece! Are you looking for a bit of rhythmic challenge? But not too much? This is a Venezuelan Folk Melody traditionally sung by carolers hoping to receive treats or small gifts. The piece is written in 2/4 but the first beat is made up of triplet eighth notes and the second beat is made up of two eighth notes. Once the ringers internalize the rhythmic pattern the notes are easy! Add some optional choir chimes if you like. Add the percussion, the piece will truly come alive!

 

It Is Well With My Soul 345 Level 3 optional Choirchimes®. flute or violin

Arr. Cathy Moklebust

 

This is one of my favourite hymns on handbells. Cathy gives us a wonderful arrangement of this haunting melody made especially beautiful with the addition of the flute or violin. This is one of the pieces that will be rung at the OGEHR Festival in Ontario in May 2003. Great choice!

 

Alleluia, Sing to Jesus 345 Level 4

Arr. Hart Morris

 

Hyfrydol is a very common hymn tune. Hart brings it to life in this Level 4 arrangement. The many key changes and accidentals make this piece challenging. A great selection when you and your choir are looking stretch your ringers to the next level.