Ringing in the Resurrection

After the Lenten journey, there is no morning more joyous than Easter!  This is the day that the Lord has made – Choirs, organ, brass, handbells and handchimes – let all rejoice and be glad! ChimeWorks has some classic choices for your ensemble to ring out the message of resurrection on the holiest days of the Christian calendar.  All are available for immediate purchase and digital download.  Click the links below to find them in our store.

 

Jesus Shall Reign (2 – 3 Octaves) (3 – 5 Octaves)

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Cynthia Dobrinski
  • Octaves Used: 2 – 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 1
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

This joyful rendition of the Duke Street tune employs a careful and judicious use of big chords and techniques. Though easily accessible, “Jesus Shall Reign” is constructed to allow the ringers to sound more expert than Level 1.

 

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Cathy Moklebust
  • Octaves Used: 2 – 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2
  • Options: Snare Drum, Tambourine
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

Here is a delightfully different piece for Easter. The lively, march-like arrangement of the 13th-century French tune, ORIENTIS PARTIBUS, includes parts for snare drum and tambourine. Techniques used are finger damp, ring touch, and vibrato.

 

Easter Alleluia

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Susan T. Nelson
  • Octaves Used: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2
  • Options: Bb Instrument, Percussion
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

Optional use of instruments makes this festive setting of “O Filii Et Fillae” highly versatile. Handchimes enhance the texture, percussion adds excitement, and the solo instrument provides variety.

 

In the Garden

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Cynthia Dobrinski
  • Octaves Used: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2

Cynthia Dobrinski arranges C. Austin Miles’ “In the Garden.” A wonderful setting of the gospel classic.

 

Alleluia!

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Wayne Kerr
  • Octaves Used: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

Alleluia! is a joyous original composition in which both treble and bass ringers share in playing melodic material. With no bell changes, this accessible piece will be an excellent addition to worship services, concerts and festivals.

 

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Barbara Baltzer Kinyon
  • Octaves Used: 2 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+

A joyous setting of EASTR HYMN.

 

Easter Bells (2 – 3 Octaves) (3 – 5 Octaves)

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Michael Ryan
  • Octaves Used: 2 – 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

The unbridled joy of Easter morning is brilliantly reflected in this ingenious pairing of LASST UNS ERFREUEN (“All Creatures of Our God and King”) and EASTER HYMN (“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”).

 

Easter Hymn

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Patricia Hurlbutt
  • Octaves Used: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 3
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

Easter Hymn begins simply, with melody and fragments of it leading to the statement of the tune.  An interlude generates excitement, culminating in a grand and triumphant presentation of the powerful resurrection hymn.

 

Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Dan R. Edwards
  • Octaves Used: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 3
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

This uplifting arrangement of the hymn tune LLANFAIR will keep all ringers actively involved. It features an engaging middle section in which the theme passes through several interesting keys. Techniques include finger damps and LVs.

Handchimes and Holy Week

Lent is here and if you haven’t already made music choices for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, now is the time.  If you own handbells, choosing to ring handchimes on these two holy days may be an effective decision.  Their mellow and ethereal sound will set a tone for your worship.

Here are some pieces that we highly recommend for your consideration.  All of the title are available from ChimeWorks for immediate purchase and digital download.

Maundy Thursday

Humbly, I Adore You

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Shawn Gingrich
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 1+

A classic French melody arranged in an easy-to-ring style for 3-5 octaves. Ideal for an offertory or prelude on a special service.

 

Communion Meditations

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Margaret R. Tucker
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2

This collection of four pieces includes two familiar communion hymn tunes (ADORO TE DEVOTE and EUCHARISTIC HYMN) and two original compositions (O Taste and See and Eat This Bread, Drink This Cup). The original pieces have alternate titles for general use. The four pieces may be played separately or as a group, and each piece has points at which the music may be shortened or repeated.

 

Communion Meditations, Set 2

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Margaret R. Tucker
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2

This collection includes four reflective, variable-length pieces suitable for communion or general use. Three of the pieces are arrangements of “Holy Manna, Picardy” and an old Cornish round, “The Lord is My Shepherd.” The fourth piece, “In Remembrance” (or “Meditation in G Minor”), is an original composition, which also incorporates the optional use of the hymn tune “Martydom”.

 

Gift of Finest Wheat

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Robert E. Kreutz, Sondra K. Tucker
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 2 – 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+

This arrangement of the beloved communion hymn moves gracefully from 4/4 to 3/4 time, providing a good introduction to mixed meter. Ringers should be sure to emphasize the melody, particularly when it appears in the inner voices, and maintain a legato line throughout.

 

Thee We Adore – Collection for Holy Week and Easter

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Cathy Moklebust
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 2 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

These easy arrangements will be ideal for a beginning bell choir. The hymns included are: “Thee We Adore (Adoro Te Devote)”; “Lamb of God, Most Holy (O Lamm Gottes, Unschuldig)”; “Now The Green Blade Rises (Noel Nouvelet)”; and “Christ The Lord is Risen Today (Orientis Partibus)”.

 

Thee We Adore, O Hidden Savior (2 – 3 Octaves)  (3 – 5 Octaves)

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Cathy Moklebust
  • Level:Level 1+

Ethereal and delicate, this is a very easy setting of the 17th century French tune “Adoro Te Devote.”

 

O Lamb of God, Most Holy

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Kathleen Wissinger
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 2 – 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2-

This gentle 16th-century tune features fermatas. Few parentheses are used for the mostly-chordal melody, played by both treble and bass ringers. All ringers but one encounter at least one easy bell change. Some unison exercises on (1) preparing for bell changes, (2) watching the director for fermatas will help train ringers to play calmly and precisely.

 

Good Friday

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Susan Geschke
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+

This deeply-moving setting uses rich textures and lush harmonies to mirror the emotion of the text. This prayerful setting is especially effective during Lent, Communion or any time of quiet meditation. Using only legato ringing and an ABA form, this beloved hymn is accessible to virtually all choirs and is certain to become a favorite.

 

In the Shadow of the Cross

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: William E. Moats
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+

The familiar Lenten hymns Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed and Beneath the Cross of Jesus progress to the final theme of Amazing Grace in this thoughtful medley.

 

Kyrie

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Cathy Moklebust
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 2 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 3

The melody in this original work is hauntingly reflective of the words “Kyrie eleison,” meaning “Lord, have mercy.”

 

What Wondrous Love Is This (2 – 3 Octaves) (3 – 5 Octaves)

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Susan Geschke
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 2 – 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 1+

Published in two compatible editions, this tender setting of the beloved Appalachian folk song may be played by either handbells or handchimes. With minimal bell changes and easy techniques such as shake and echo, this piece provides an excellent opportunity for expressive, sensitive ringing.

 

He Never Said A Mumbalin’ Word

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Arnold B. Sherman
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 3
  • Origin: African American Spiritual
  • Use Caution with Techniques and/or Tempo: Caution

 

Jesus Paid It All

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Alan Lohr
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2

This simple three-octave arrangement of the well-known gospel hymn by John T. Grape features minimal bell changes and plenty of harmonic interest. The straightforward treatment enables the listener to reflect on the meditative text of the hymn.

 

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Arnold B. Sherman
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2+

A pensive setting of the Hans Leo Hassler chorale.

 

Pie Jesu

  • Author/Composer/Arranger: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Douglas E. Wagner
  • Octaves Used – Select One: 3 – 5 Octaves
  • Level: Level 2

A beautiful setting from Webber’s Requiem.

A Ringing Salute to the Presidents

 

ChimeWorks is your source musical lesson plans using handchimes and we have some to share for next week!

President’s Day is right around the corner – the American holiday celebrated each year on the third Monday of February.  Originally established in 1885 to celebrate President George Washington’s birthday, it was celebrated on February 22nd, his birthdate.   It was moved in 1971 with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers.

With the shift in date, many believed that the intent was to honor Washington and Abraham Lincoln and quickly, the holiday was renamed President’s Day to honor not only Washington and Lincoln but all U.S. Presidents, past and present.

There’s no better way to honor American leaders than by singing about our country which they helped to build and make stronger.  We honor our country by singing about the values of it which we hold so dear.

At ChimeWorks, we have the following lesson plans to help you honor our leaders and country through singing and ringing.  All of the lesson plans are available for immediate purchase and digital download for $2.29 each. Click on each title to take you to the store and let freedom ring!

Lesson Plans using chords to harmonize the melody by chord chart:

America

  • Use: Sacred, Secular
  • Level: 3 – 6
  • Chords: 4

My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, also known as America, is an American patriotic song.  The lyrics were written by Samuel Francis Smith and the melody used is the same as that of the national anthem of the United Kingdom, God Save the Queen, by Thomas Arne.  The song served as one of the national anthems of the United States before the adoption of The Star-Spangled Banner as the official anthem in 1931.

 

America The Beautiful

  • Use: Sacred, Secular
  • Level: 3 – 6
  • Chords: 4

America The Beautiful is an American patriotic song dating from the late 19th century.  The poem was originally written and entitled “Pike’s Peak” and the tune, “Materna” was written for an alternate text.  The two were combined and published in 1910.

 

Lesson plans using the Sing & Ring method – harmonize through song sheets, ring when the word is outlined and damp when it is underscored:

The Star-Spangled Banner

  • Use: Sacred, Secular
  • Level: 3 – 6

Written in September 1814, The Star-Spangled Banner, was inspired by Francis Scott Key’s witness of the American flag still waving after the battle at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.  It was set to music composed in 1775.  The song became our National Anthem in 1931.

 

America The Beautiful

  • Use: Sacred, Secular
  • Level: 3- 6

America The Beautiful is an American patriotic song dating from the late 19th century.  The poem was originally written and entitled “Pike’s Peak” and the tune, “Materna” was written for an alternate text.  The two were combined and published in 1910.

Sing & Ring about Love & Friendship

 

Valentine’s Day is not just about cupid and romance.  It brings the opportunity to sing about the values of friendship.  At ChimeWorks, we have lesson plans to share that you will be able to use over the coming weeks to not only celebrate love but also, teach of the importance of peer interactions and relationships.

A Tisket, A Tasket

  • Use: Secular
  • Level: K – 2
  • Type: Icons
  • Language: English
  • Origin: America

A Tisket, A Tasket was first noted in 1879.  It was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald in 1938.

 

Scarborough Fair

  • Use: Secular
  • Level: 3 – 6
  • Type: Chords
  • Chords: 5
  • Language: English
  • Origin: England

Scarborough Fair is and English folk song.  Known as a ballad, it tells of a fair in the town of Scarborough in York.

 

Happy Days

  • Use: Secular
  • Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
  • Type: Ostinati
  • Canon: Yes
  • Language: English
  • Origin: America

Happy Days is a four-part canon that has been sung for generations.  Its origin is unknown.

 

Skip To My Lou

  • Use: Secular
  • Level: K – 2
  • Type: Icons
  • Language: English
  • Origin: America

Skip To My Lou is a 19th century American folk song and party game.  During Puritan times, the fiddle was seen as evil therefore, young people created songs which involved clapping and movement rather than dancing.  “Lou” is Scottish for “love”.  Use this lesson plan to teach eye-hand coordination as a stepping stone to music literacy.

 

Make New Friends

  • Use: Secular
  • Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
  • Type: Ostinati
  • Canon: Yes
  • Language: English
  • Origin: America

Make New Friends is a traditional campfire song sung by Girl Scouts in North America.

 

Shalom Chaverim

  • Use: Sacred, Secular
  • Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
  • Type: Chords
  • Chords: 3
  • Canon: Yes
  • Language: English, Hebrew
  • Origin: Israel

Meaning farewell, good friends, Shalom Chaverim is a traditional song sung at parting.  It may be sung in English or Hebrew. It may be used as a three-part canon (round).  It may be used for welcoming guests or in teaching friendship.

 

Come, Follow

  • Use: Secular
  • Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
  • Type: Chords
  • Chords: 3
  • Canon: Yes
  • Language: English
  • Origin: England

Come Follow is an English folk song dating from the late 17th century.  It was written by John Hilton in 1652.  It is a three part round or canon.

 

Good and Joyous

  • Use: Sacred, Secular
  • Level: K – 2, 3 – 6
  • Type: Ostinati
  • Canon: Yes
  • Language: English, Hebrew
  • Origin: Israel

Good and Joyous is a traditional Hebrew song usually sung in canon (round) form.  It is based on Psalm 133.  In the text, the word people may be used in place of brothers.