Handbells 2-2+/3 Octaves
Arranged by Kathleen Wissinger
Level 2/2+
How wonderful it is to be able to play during the Holiday season even with just 4 to 9 ringers! This collection of three short L2/L2+ favorites offers 2 settings to match your ringers' needs: "A" for D5-C7 (opt. G4-C5) – and "B" for G4-F6 (opt. C4-F4). He Is Born, Coventry Carol and Ding Dong Merrily on High will delight your audience or congregation with minimal set-up – these were written for MOSAIC Handbell Ensemble's ringing at Grand Caverns' Christmas Candlelight Tour, Grottoes, Va. (See our picture on the cover!) No tables needed – just music stands and lights. Ideal for ringing at Malls, Salvation Army kettles, hospitals, home visits, Holiday celebrations and Christmas Eve services with little space available for regular bell set up. Each piece has no page turns or accidentals, but you will need to slightly alter your set-up between pieces. Of course, you could memorize them as well and just carry bells in! Use "A'" for up to three 4iH positions (FGAB5, CDEF6 and GAB6C7) for 4-9 ringers, "B" for a 2 oct. range and a fuller bass sound (adding the lower 3rd octave) for 5-9 ringers. The four lowest bells are optional. Part of ringTrue Handbell Music's "Celebrations" series – collections of small versatile pieces. The sound file at Jeffers' website www.handbellworld.com features all 3 "A" settings with optional repeats totaling about 5:20 performance time. A Bonus article on ringing without tables and a pattern for making "Bell Muffs" for cold weather ringing are also included in the folio.