Christmas Carols (A Collection of 10 Color-Coded Arrangements for One Octave Handbells with Piano)
by Sharon Wilson
Handbell Choir - Digital Sheet Music

This collection contains 10 familiar Christmas carols arranged for a one octave, 13-note chromatic scale Handbell choir with Piano accompaniment. For each song, the Piano provides an introduction then the Handbells play the melody and occasional 2-part harmony. Each song also includes an optional repeat and second ending in case a longer song is desired.

For each song, there is a combined score with both instruments (Handbells and Piano) on a grand staff plus two separate scores for the Handbells (one in standard format with black and white notes and the second with color-coded notes). A color-coded note chart is also provided for each song which shows the Handbell notes used as well as the number of times each note is played. The note distribution is helpful when assigning notes to ringers. You may want to assign fewer notes to beginners or evenly distribute the bells between all ringers.

The color-coded scores are enlarged so the colors are easier to distinguish and all sharps and flats are displayed (shown in the key of C) as reminders for beginning ringers. Also, 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).

As noted above, one of the Handbell scores for each song is color-coded for easier note reading for beginning ringers. These separate color-coded scores use the "Chroma-Notes™ Colored Music System." If you have a set of Handbells with a different color scheme, "Chroma-Notes Stick Ons" can be purchased and applied so the Handbells match this color scheme.

The number of ringers 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. Note assignment suggestions are included for each song and range from 4 to 8 ringers.

These familiar Christmas carols are perfect for small groups and especially beginning ringers. Most songs can be performed with as few as 5 people (4 ringers and 1 piano player). The Piano accompaniment is written for an intermediate player.

Permission is granted to make up to 10 copies of each score. For more than 10 copies, please purchase additional sets.

Each song is also available separately with accompanying preview pages and audio samples. For each song, a piano accompaniment and/or rehearsal track (MP3 format) is available as a separate purchase.

Song titles included in this collection:  
Angels We Have Heard on High
Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
Ding Dong! Merrily on High
Joy to the World
O Come, All Ye Faithful
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Thou Joyful Day
Simple Gifts
The First Noel
We Three Kings