Row, Row, Row Your Boat for 8-note Bells and Boomwhackers® (with Color Coded Notes)
by Sharon Wilson
Handbell Choir - Digital Sheet Music

This sheet music is notated for 8-note, C major diatonic scale (one octave) instruments with Handbells on one staff and Boomwhackers® on a second staff creating an instrumental ensemble (requires one set of each instrument). Handbells play the melody while the Boomwhackers® keep a steady beat with three-note chords. Included in this set of scores is a combined score with both instrument parts on a grand staff plus a separate score for each instrument. A note and chord reference chart is also provided.

This arrangement includes two verses. The first verse is "easy" with fewer notes. The second verse is "intermediate" and expands the melody by adding more notes. If you want to learn (practice) only the "easy" verse, an optional ending is provided or it can be skipped to perform the two verses together.

Though this sheet music is notated for Handbells and Boomwhackers®, this song is playable by any 8-note, C major diatonic scale (one octave) instrument such as a xylophone or glockenspiel. The melody could also be played by a recorder.

This set of scores uses colored noteheads corresponding to the Boomwhackers® color scheme. If you have a set of bells or tubes with a different color scheme, "Chroma-Notes Stick Ons" can be purchased and applied so the instruments match the Boomwhackers® color scheme. This set of scores is also available (separate purchase) in black and white which will print clearer if you do not have access to a color printer.

Only filled noteheads (quarter and eighth notes) are used so the notes are full color and easier to see (this does not indicate the bells need to be silenced immediately before the next beat). Also, only quarter and eighth rests are used to help visualize the number of beats per measure. Lyrics and chord names are provided as well to aid in the learning and teaching of this song.

The number of ringers and whackers needed will vary depending on the skill level of the participants. For more advanced players, each person could be assigned two or three notes. For beginners, it is best to assign one or two notes to each person. Instrument assignment suggestions are provided.

Other suggestions and uses:
* have both parts played by bells or both parts played using only Boomwhackers®
* form a choir using multiple sets of bells and/or Boomwhackers® (this would amplify the sound and allow more people to participate)
* use as part of the music education for children at school, home, or church
* these colorful, inexpensive instruments can be enjoyed by all ages and add a fun, unique element to activities and programs: senior centers, family reunions, church retreats, home school groups, children’s ministries

This song is one of the 20 arrangements in the collection "Folk Songs for 13-note Bells and Boomwhackers® (with Color Coded Notes), VOL. 1."

Boomwhackers® is a registered trademark of Rhythm Band Instruments, LLC. Used by permission.

Visit Sharon Wilson’s website: www.SharonWilsonMusic.com
Subscribe to her YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/SharonWilsonMusic