Happy Birthday for 13-note Bells and Boomwhackers
by Sharon Wilson
Handbell Choir - Digital Sheet Music

This sheet music is notated for 13-note (one octave, C to C chromatic scale) instruments with Handbells on one staff and Boomwhackers® on a second staff creating an instrumental ensemble (one set of each instrument is required). This score uses a grand staff with both parts on each page.

This set includes two scores. The scores are identical except one uses color coded noteheads and the second one uses black and white noteheads. The score with colored noteheads corresponds to the Boomwhackers® color scheme. Handbells sold by "Rhythm Band" or "KidsPlay" use a similar color scheme with just a couple of notes having slight hue variations. Using color coded notes helps beginning musicians learn to read standard sheet music notation. The score with black and white notes will print clearer if you do not have access to a color printer or have a group of players already familiar with reading music notation.

Each 6-page score presents 6 variations on the "Happy Birthday" theme. Each variation is on one page with each page progressively more challenging. The first variation is the easiest. Part One (Handbells) plays the melody for four of the variations (pages 1, 2, 4, and 6) and Part Two (Boomwhackers®) plays the melody for the other two variations (pages 3 and 5). These variations are written for easy mix-and match performances; play as few or as many of the variations as desired and in any order. Each variation includes an optional ending which can be skipped over to connect multiple variations. The audio sample plays through all 6 variations. The video plays variation 6 twice.

Each instrument part uses 8 notes in the F major scale: C D E F G A B♭ C* where C* is one octave above middle C. This arrangement requires one set of 13-note, C to C chromatic scale Handbells and one set of 13-note, C to C chromatic Boomwhackers®. Though this sheet music is notated for Handbells and Boomwhackers®, this arrangement is playable by any 13-note, C to C chromatic scale (one octave) instrument such as a xylophone or glockenspiel.

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, just to name a few

Permission is granted to make as many copies as needed for one family, church, school, or other performing group. Please purchase additional copies for multiple groups or organizations.

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

Visit Sharon Wilson's website: https://www.sharonwilsonmusic.com/
Subscribe to her YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@SharonWilsonMusic

Keywords: boomwhacker, boomwacker, boomwackers, pitched percussion, tuned percussion tubes, idiophone percussion, plastic tubes, elementary classroom music, supplemental education for classrooms, pitched instruments