Five Holiday Classics for 8-note Bells and Boomwhackers (with Color Coded Notes)
by Sharon Wilson
Handbell Choir - Digital Sheet Music

This collection contains 5 popular holiday songs:
Auld Lang Syne (New Year's)
Jingle Bells - chorus only (Christmas)
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (Christmas)
Over the River and Through the Woods (Thanksgiving)
Up on the Housetop (Christmas)

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 a 2-part instrumental ensemble (requires one set of each instrument). For each song, there is a combined score with both parts on a grand staff plus a separate 1-staff score for each individual part. A note and chord reference chart is also provided for each song.

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

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 rests are used to help visualize the number of beats per measure. Lyrics are provided as well to aid in the learning and teaching of these songs.

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 for each song.

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