Instrumental, Handbells


Meditation from Taïs (for Clarinet and Organ), Jules


Massenet, arr. Lee J. Afdahl, MorningStar Music Publishers MSM-20-876, 2014. Tis beloved opera intermezzo has surely been ar-


ranged for every instrument with accompaniments from orchestra to keyboard; there’s even Grofé’s 1924 ragtime version for Whiteman’s orchestra! Tis clarinet and organ arrangement is straightforward, with the key moved from D to B-flat concert; the clarinet part is furnished. A very strong high school player who might attempt this piece as a solo elsewhere would be a good candidate for this. While registration is suggested, the organist should practice with an ear open to the orchestral original.


Handbells


Melissa Emerson is Director of Music Ministries at Calvary United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN.


Handbells are something that can be rehearsed safely


with social distancing and with masks. However, depend- ing on the room available, you may not be able to rehearse with a full choir. Here are some suggestions for small ensembles and a solo piece.


12 Bells in F: Majestic Hymns, arr.


Bill Ingram, Ring Out Press (distribut- ed by Handbell World) RO3383, 2015, Level 2. Tis collection contains seven


arrangements of very familiar and perhaps a few unfamiliar hymn tunes. Tey include Holy Manna, Crusad- er’s Hymn, Ode to Joy, Madrid,


Warrenton and Promised Land, Simple Gifts, and Judson. All parts stay busy in these arrangements with no bell changes or need for tables. Tere is a suggested guide for how to make bell assignments for anywhere from 3-6 ringers. Tis collection is highly versatile and can be used year-round. It makes a good addition to a bell library for beginners as the parts are kept to mostly quarter and eighth notes, but could also be used with more advanced ringers as a good teaching tool for those wanting to learn 4-in-hand.


Bells and Keys … More or Less,


Volume 2, arr. Sandra Eithun, Cho- risters Guild CGB982, 2016, 1 1/2 to 2 octaves, Level 2+. Some groups may need to rebuild


in the new year, and this is a collection that may help in a transition from small ensemble to a full bell choir again, or even new ringers who may


have music experience. While I might use one or two of these pieces with a


beginning group, this reproducible collection isn’t all brand-new beginner material. Tere are several advantages to this book, the first being


all the music is reproducible. Once purchased, you can make copies for your choir to use. Te next advantage is while there are handbell techniques scattered throughout the pieces, they are not overwhelming where a director needs to stop every 2 measures to remind ringers how to ring various techniques. And the biggest advantage to this is the flexibility of ringing and accompaniment. Each piece is arranged to be just handbells only and only up to 2 oc- taves (G4-G6), with an option to use fewer bells (C5-G6). If ringers would like some support, or directors would like the piece to sound fuller, there are also keyboard accom- paniments to each of the pieces that do not duplicate the melody lines. I feel this is important so the ringers know their part is just as important to the musical whole of the piece. Hymn tunes included in this collection are Italian


Hymn, He Leadeth Me, New Britain, Madrid, Blott en Dag, and Holy Manna.


Celtic Prayer (for Solo Handbells and Keyboard),


Julie Turner and Jeffery A. Hall, STEP/Sonology Music STEP15-18, 2015, 18 bells. Tis is a great piece for an individual ringer to tackle for


any occasion. Recreated for solo and keyboard accompa- niment from the larger work for 3-5 octaves by the same name, this Celtic Prayer begins with a lyric melody that transports the listeners to thoughts of faraway lands and mystic ruins. Tere is a shiſt to a dance-like contrast which transitions back to the main melody stated in a more ma- jestic way, followed by an ending leading to a picardy third. Tis is not for a beginning solo ringer, but more an in-


termediate or advanced soloist. Te piano accompaniment is also intermediate level.


Interested in reviewing new materials? Contact Sara Collins, ssjcollins24@aol.com.


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January-February-March 2021 • WorshipArts • UMFellowship.org


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