Where Music Leaders Share and are Rewarded

Let Freedom Ring

Looking for some ideas to celebrate The USA during your summer music-making fun? We have some suggestions for you that will ring out during your celebrations:

Sing and Ring:

ChimeWorks has some suggestions for pre-readers of any age. Teach a basic song and add in chords or harmonic patterns taught without the printed score!

Teach these patriotic gems and harmonize them with basic chords indicated by using a chart:

America

America The Beautiful

Learning simple patterns by rote, pre-readers will be able to accompany this
camp favorite:

Taps

For older youth and adults try these Ring & Sing favorites – Pass out a text sheet with the appropriate handchime, have participants sing – when a word is circled they ring their handchime and when it is underlined, they damp.

The Star-Spangled Banner

America the Beautiful II

Music Literacy:

Introduce the steps to music literacy to pre-readers by teaching eye-hand coordination using our Icon chart and be dandy:

Yankee Doodle

With these patriotic lesson plan favorites, summer will be a blast!

Summer: Ringing Options with Fewer Ringers

It’s finally summer and the program year has come to a rest; however some may be busy preparing special music for Sunday services, teaching a summer music class or maybe you ring and just can’t get enough! Don’t disregard ringing over the summer just because rehearsals have ended and your musicians have scattered in different directions. There are resources available for fewer ringers and some of them won’t even require a lot of rehearsal! Consider the readily available options below on the ChimeWorks website under Handchime Ensembles, each title is available for immediate purchase with digital download.

For lower intermediate ringers, consider twelve bell music. The resources that we are recommending require you to own a three octave set of handchimes or handbells and the 12 note range is from F₅ to C₇. The arrangements themselves have no chime or bell changes and can be rung without tables. These collections lend themselves to little rehearsal and can be put together quickly for a summer occasion.

All Praise to Thee, Vol 1

All Praise to Thee, Vol 2

Classical Favorites for Twelve Bells

Spirituals for Twelve Bells

Hymns for Twelve Bells

Five Hymns for Twelve Bells

With most ringing ensembles, there are varied skills within a group. Summertime is a great time to challenge the more advanced ringers that you have by offering them pieces arranged for 5, 6, or 7 ringers. In the arrangements below, a minimum of two octaves (G₄ – G₆) of instruments are needed and arranged for a minimum of five ringers. Depending on the skills of your ringers, these arrangements can be put together quickly or they are a summer project with results being shared on Rally Sunday.

Foundation

Land of Rest

Holy Manna

When Morning Gilds the Skies

One more option would be solo ringing. Maybe you love to ring and can’t get others together to ring in an ensemble. Consider covering the melody yourself and ask your favorite accompanist to join you. Cathy Moklebust has adapted several of her most popular works for use by the handbell soloist. These solos are easily adapted to handchimes. Her husband David has created keyboard accompaniments, which are also available electronically for use in either practice or performance. The seven solos in this first collection are very accessible, and encompass various seasons of the church year. A pull-out soloist’s book is included.

Easy Favorites for the Handbell Soloist is a collection of solos that will take your ringing to the next level and keep you busy during these longer days of summer. You’ll feel great in the fall when you reflect on all you’ve accomplished and being lazy was not how you spent your days!

Using the Appropriate Ringing Techniques with Handchimes

At ChimeWorks, we are reviewing handbell pieces that may be played on handchimes effectively. All the titles which we recommend under Handchime Ensembles have been reviewed and approved for handchime use. Under the product description, you may find a note of Caution which means that either the work should be played a bit slower than the suggested tempo to eliminate the percussive sounds that handchimes can make if rung too quickly or that there is a technique used in the score that is not recommended to be used with handchimes.

Not all ringing techniques and articulations that are performed on handbells may be performed on handchimes due to handchime design and the stresses that may be put on the tines of the handchime tube. The following techniques that may be used are: Ring, Damp, Finger Damp, Gyro, LV, Swing, Vibrato and a Mallet Strike (while the handchime is held) in the air.

Some ringing techniques cannot be used with handchimes either because they are damaging to the instrument or the handchime design does not allow the technique to be properly executed. We’ve created the chart below for easy reference in substituting ringing techniques on handchimes:

Click here to learn more about ringing techniques on handchimes.

Using Colors to Teach Music – Some Things to Consider

Mention colors and music notation among two or more music teachers and a debate will surely ensue. Proponents of using color coded music believe that the method is a surefire way of having instant success in making music while opponents may see it as dumbing down. Walking the center line may be the safest stand on this subject; here are a few considerations on the subject regarding handchimes and ringing along with suggestions for experiencing the best of both worlds.

As proponents of using colors to teach music literacy, we are very sensitive to those who cannot see color or experience color vision deficiency. About 8% of males and .5% of females experience this deficiency. Therefore, we advocate using colors along with a second method in all lesson plans. For instance, if using a color to indicate pitch also use a shape as a secondary indicator as used in the ChimeWorks Icon Chart.

Using Colors with Lesson Plans in the General Music Classroom or Choral Rehearsal
Colors are familiar and easily recognizable to most which makes them a great precursor to music notation to teach eye-hand coordination as well as tracking from left to right for pre-readers. One color may indicate a pitch as in using icons or it can signify a chord for creating harmonies while accompanying a melody. These methods are used by having a central focal point for the children to follow as indicated by the music leader. The use of an interactive whiteboard or projection is highly recommended.

When introducing music notation, a simple melody using colored note heads helps to simplify finding the correct space and line to follow on the staff. Once the concept of locating a specific pitch on the staff is taught, eliminating colors is encouraged.

Attaching a colored band to a handchime is an accessible means of designating an instrument to the appropriate pitch or chord. These functional bands are easily wrapped around the handchime tube, are effortlessly removed and can be reused.

Creating resources using colors is simple with the use of a computer. While working with Chroma-NotesTM notation in Finale PRINTMUSIC® is the simplest method of producing colored music notation, general resources can be produced in word processor software. An important aspect of creating resources is that you keep the colors and symbols consistent when assigning them to pitches. Using the ChimeWorks Icon Chart as referenced above, allows you to maintain uniformity when using available resources in the marketplace as well as creating your own.

Using Colors with the Handchime Ensemble
Long a source of debate in the ringing world is marking the handchime/handbell score. While these instruments are a great tool to teach music at any age and countless youth and adults have been able to learn music skills by ringing in a handchime/handbell ensemble, there has been contention along the way.

Early in the handbell movement, indicating when to ring the instrument in a particular hand was indicated by a circle around the note head often in red and blue. Through the years, experience taught us that using a circle may not be the best indicator as the marking distorted the score by blocking the purpose of a particular note head be it melody, counter-melody or harmony. Gradually, highlighters came into play. With the use of highlighters in two consistent colors for example, yellow for left hand and pink for right hand, the note will be designated without obstructing its purpose and any other markings such as dynamics, articulations or techniques.

While using highlighters to indicate notes in a score, the ringer can be trained to locate their assigned pitches and with standard handchime/handbell assignments, know that their left hand is ringing the pitch on the space and their right hand, the one on the line. It can, sometimes, be difficult to ween a ringer off the use of color coding a score. Adults have more difficulty losing this crutch than children, however, the ultimate goal is to use ringing as a tool to teach music literacy and to nurture musicians of all ages.

VBS – Sing, Ring and Rejoice!

Summer is almost here and as a musician that may mean your annual VBS responsibilities are right around the corner. As you study the music, text and gestures that go along with the songs of this year’s curriculum, don’t forget about the traditional songs that have been carried through generations and better yet, don’t forget your handchimes.

If your Worship style is more traditional, children will most likely welcome the change of the more contemporary and upbeat songs that are included in most VBS packages. Having the opportunity to sing along with the rock-like soundtracks and put their best foot forward with the accompanying moves will certainly add delight to each day.

It is my experience that the older children (Grades 3 – 6) excel at the packaged music programs of VBS. The younger children struggled a bit as the melodies were sometimes outside their singing range, rhythms were a little difficult and some of the text was too complicated to catch by rote and memorize quickly. I found that I would still use the curricular music with the younger children for rhythmic and movement activities but went back to the traditional songs of my own childhood as a supplement for singing and ringing.

Using the more traditional Bible songs helped me be a more effective teacher during that special week of summer for several reasons. I could pick and choose appropriate songs for the age with which I was working controlling the pitch range, the amount of text and the message. While any onlooker would think that I was just teaching songs of Christian life, I actually had a captured audience of music-makers who learned all about matching pitch, breath control, phrasing and most importantly, were able to combine their bodies, minds, spirits and voices to sing and rejoice! as eloquently taught by Helen Kemp.

Adding handchimes into the mix for the older children took it all to a new level. While the traditional Bible songs are familiar to some and not as challenging, adding percussion, handchimes and Orff-style instruments opened a whole new world to the children who are not actively involved my choir program and was a great recruitment tool. The children welcomed the opportunity to make music by an alternate method in addition to singing. The accessible chords and ostinati taught accompanied our songs and carried them to a higher level musically and spiritually.

Consider using some of the following lesson plans from ChimeWorks in your VBS classroom this summer as you train our future church leaders to sing, ring and rejoice!

LP00006 Amazing Grace

LP00007 Amazing Grace

LP00010 Simple Gifts

LP00012 Kum-Bah-Yah

LP00031 Kum-Bah-Yah

LP00038 For Health and Strength

LP00041 Peace Like a River

LP00046 Tallis Canon

LP00064 Michael, Row the Boat Ashore

LP00095 Good and Joyous

LP00097 Alleluia Round

LP00098 Jubilate Round

Handchimes with Choral Music

Handchimes accompany voices beautifully. Even if you own handbells, consider using handchimes with a choral anthem. Their resonant sound will lead to a powerful performance when added to a choral ensemble. Undeniably, there are times when handbells are more appropriate as on Easter Sunday with SATB voices, brass and organ however, there are times when the simplicity of handchimes is the perfect choice.

Because of their design, handchimes produce the purest of tones. Depending on the tube shape (square is best), no other instrument has so few overtones. This is a useful quality when working with younger musicians as children will be able to hear the pitch of the handchimes easily and this will be helpful with intonation. Sometimes, when handbells are used to accompany choral anthems, the overtones present in the handbell sound may confuse the children when finding pitches.

The softer, vibrating aluminum tines of handchimes produces a mellower tone which does not overpower the youngers voices. The tone of the handchimes is ever present but not too bright or obtrusive.

In a two-part or SSA choral setting with handbells, the prominent fundamental pitch may be welcome without the overtones to “ground” the sound, providing a richer foundation.

SATB voices will welcome the sustain of handchimes to their music when singing slower tempos with sustained phrases. The ethereal sound of handchimes will provide musical line and add a rich thread of sound.

If you have a favorite anthem with a simple keyboard part, consider replacing the keyboard setting with handchimes as in this setting of Babylon Canon arranged by Roger Emerson as performed here by the Westminster Choir College Concert Bell Choir.

Choosing the Right Repertoire for Handchime Ensembles

One of the keys to having a successful handchime program is the repertoire that you choose. Handbell literature is used with handchimes however, not all music written for handbells can be rung on handchimes. Two main factors to consider are:

Tempo – Because of the pure tone and resonance of handchimes along with their design, moderate tempos are most desirable on handchimes. The mellow tone of handchimes takes a bit longer to “speak” than handbells. Quicker tempos will also cause the handchimes to sound too percussive with undesirable sounds of the attack of the clapper head. Quicker tempos can also lead to incomplete damping which will cause unwanted dissonance.

Ringing Techniques – Not all ringing techniques and articulations that are performed on handbells may be performed on handchimes due to the design and fragile nature of the tines of the handchime tube. The following techniques that may be used are: Ring, Damp, Finger Damp, Gyro, LV, Swing, Vibrato and a Mallet Strike (while the handchime is held) in the air. Click here to learn more about ringing techniques on handchimes. Other considerations in choosing repertoire for a musical result are:

Octaves Used and Assignments

Each piece in handbell literature designates the size set of instruments for which it is written. Be sure to choose repertoire that your number of ringers can play musically rather than by the set of instruments you have available. For instance, if you own a three octave (37 note) set of handchimes but only have 8 ringers, choose music written for 2 or 2 – 3 octaves to ensure that your group can ring musically and not “juggle” instruments just to “get” all the notes. Once you have chosen a piece, the director should prepare the score and assign the handchimes so that all notes can be rung musically. Learn more about handbell assignments here.

Level

Handbell music is graded by six different levels so that it is easier for a director to choose repertoire. Directors are encouraged to choose music levels that meet the skills of their ringers so that musical results are met and that the ringers have an opportunity to enjoy their own performance. To learn more about the Handbell Difficulty Level System, click here.

Genre and Topic of Music

When choosing a score, take in to account the age and experience of your ringers as well as their personalities. Consider that perhaps based on life experiences, adults may relate to a somber piece better than a child. With training, almost any age should be able to ring almost anything but sometimes, it is best to meet your group at their comfort level to create success and introduce the unknown as your group progresses.

Composers and Arrangers

Do you have experience with a piece that “rang itself off the page?” If so, it may be the skills of the arranger/composer. Ringing a piece by someone who really understands the instrument makes all the difference in the world! Look to other compositions they have scored for further success!

For suggestions of repertoire that your handchime ensemble will enjoy and meet ringing success with, browse the titles that we, at ChimeWorks, recommend!

Share and Earn

Earn Extra Income for Your Expertise

As the school year is winding down and you begin to assess the year, are there lesson plans that stand out as winners? If so, consider sharing them with ChimeWorks for possible inclusion in our store and begin to earn. ChimeWorks pays 40% royalty on each lesson plan sold.

What Types of Lesson Plans?

Our focus here at ChimeWorks is offering resources for music leaders who use handchimes. However, we’ve designed our lesson plans so that they will also work with KidsPlay^®Bells and Boomwhackers^® adapting the Chroma-Note^TMsystem. Additionally, many are Orff-based lessons with the ostinati played on handchimes and non-pitched percussion added in. So, if you have lessons for other instruments as mentioned above, consider the option of your lessons being used with handchimes. A little flexibility will pay off!

Our goal is to offer lesson plans that offer easy adaptation in the classroom offering as many students as possible hands-on learning experience while meeting the NAfME National Music Standards of – Create, Perform, Respond and Connect.

Variety of Methods

ChimeWorks uses a variety of methods to teach music skills and music literacy. Consider using one of our approaches – Icons (using the CW Icon Legend here), Chords, Ostinati, Ring & Sing or share a different one. We are always seeking new and creative ways to teach the joy of music.

What Should be Included

Musical examples used in each lesson plan should be in public domain. Include historical information about the musical selection, objectives of the lesson, how it meets National Standards and the process by which the lesson is taught. If accepted, ChimeWorks would have the ability to edit the lesson plan accordingly so that our products are comprehensive and consistent.

How to Submit

The privilege to share and earn is available only to ChimeWorks members. Join us and submit your plans at www.chimeworks.com/members/share-a-lesson-plan and start earning today!

Summer Continuing Education – A Garden of Plenty

May is here and the academic year is winding down while your summer plans are heating up. You may be already daydreaming about the beach or your mountain hike and productive goals are popping into your head as well – nurturing a spectacular garden, organizing your home, getting back on your exercise plan, creating new and delicious meals – all essential to helping you recharge for fall.

As your schedule slows down and you make plans to refresh your personal life, have you given thought to revitalizing your vocation through continuing education? Consider taking time this summer to refresh your professional skills. Without a doubt, it will lead to an improved program year starting in the fall.

Here are some reasons why it will be worth it:

Gain Inspiration

Whether you are a music teacher or a church musician, you inspire through music. You cannot continue to impart without being refueled. By attending a conference or workshop, you will not only gain information and motivation from the instructor but you will be stimulated by your fellow attendees. Through them sharing their experiences, you can gain ideas and enthusiasm.

Try Something New

So, you are a veteran teacher who has had years of success and have attended countless conferences. You’ve heard it all! Explore – no doubt there is something you haven’t tried. You will learn something new and better yet, you may be able to transfer those skills to your expertise to better yourself and your students. One of the greatest examples of this is Alan Gilbert, Conductor and Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, suggesting that every conducting student learn how to ring handbells to improve their ictus. Who would have thought!

Learn to Say It Differently

You may be at the top of your game in your discipline and think that you have little to learn. This may be true but you may also be surprised. Your musical skills alone don’t make you a great teacher and director. How you communicate those skills to others makes all the difference! You may have taken countless Conducting classes and know all about gesture but don’t discount going to one more class. It is unearthing when you attend a class and hear something basic said differently and it opens a whole new dimension in your teaching.

Get Away

You may choose to leave the comforts of home and experience a new environment for vacation. You leave your daily tasks at home and explore the new to revive yourself. Consider traveling to nourish your professional life. Likely, when you are in a different environment, you will be able to “think outside the box” and be more open to new ideas. A true retreat for your vocation!

Whether it is a half-day music reading session an hour from home or a two-week immersion in Europe, consider doing some professional development this summer. There is no knowing what you will reap from the garden of knowledge and music!

Ode to Music

Children will remember the songs that we teach them throughout their lives. Be it a catchy tune, silly lyrics or an engaging movement, the music that we teach will impact our students in different ways but the end results are the same – lifelong memories.

As teachers of music, we hope to instill an appreciation, love or passion for music into our students. We do this best by actively involving them in the music-making process allowing them to be creative as they go and encouraging them to connect their experiences to the world around them. We also know that music will stimulate the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social growth of our students affecting their lives in so many ways.

We balance our choice of lessons and repertoire to broaden our students – classical, folk, world and nonsense songs fill our teaching space – all to provide our students with a varying wealth of repertoire. Along with our singing, we introduce drums and other percussion, recorders, Orff instruments, ukuleles, Boomwhackers®, KidsPlay® bells and handchimes all in effort for our students to find their voice. In the end, our hope is for well-rounded young musicians leading to accomplished adults who are kinder, gentler and welcoming.

How often do we stop and sing about it? Music, that is. As we close the school year, we have an opportunity to sum up all that we offer with songs that praise our beloved art. Words that express how wonderful music is that our students will remember for a lifetime.