for ringers, directors & educators NOV/DEC 2011

In This IssueTipsVelocity and Tracking Drillsby Michael R. Keller

MusicInfant Holy, Infant Lowly arr. Bob Burroughs

Note on usage of Tips & Tools Materials:

Permission is granted to make copies of all Tips & Tools materials for choir or classroom use.

Must be a current member of the Guild and may not transfer usage rights to a non-member without permission. ©2011 AGEHR, Inc. d.b.a. Handbell Musicians of America.

Please visit the Overtones section of our website at www.HandbellMusicians.org to download printable copies of all the materials in Tips & Tools.

Velocity and Tracking Drillsby Michael R. Keller

NOV/DEC 2011 17O V E R T O N E S

The drills found on the back page of this issue have been used in a number of Guild festival/conferences to help ringers begin to learn the technical, coordination, and musical skills required for ringing and damping quickly. This involves reading and interpreting the music by moving the eyes across the page and reacting quickly enough to play on time. Focus, concentration, and counting skills are also developed.

All ringers are assigned to play the same notes in a wandering mu-sical line, no matter what bells they are holding. That way everyone gets the same amount of work, and mistakes are all the more obvi-ous. The space note should be played by the left hand, no matter what bell is being held, and the line note is rung by the right hand.

Remember that damping on time is just as important as ringing on time. Keep using good technique.

Start all drills SLOWLY, then gradually increase the tempo of the repetitions. Move on to a new drill when it becomes obvious that ringers are learning the material. This helps sight-reading skills as well.

Please DO NOT count for the ringers. Insist that they count out loud, dividing the beat, on every exercise. It is also suggested that diffi-cult rhythms be clapped and that ringers be given time to work out handbell changes before playing the drills where they are required.

Above all, approach the exercises with a light, humorous touch. This helps reduce frustration and encourages the ringers. The atmo-sphere should be almost game-like. Help the ringers enjoy learning their new skills.

We will print more of these exercises in future issues of Tips & Tools.

See page 20 for the exercises.

NOV/DEC 201118O V E R T O N E S

Infant Holy, Infant LowlyFrom Lorenz Publishing’s Five or Less Vol. 1

arr. by Bob BurroughsUsed with permission from the Lorenz Corporation

Copyright ©1987 Triune Music, Inc. • Used with permission from the Lorenz Corporation

Permission granted to make copies for choir or classroom use. Must be a current member of Handbell Musicians of America and may not transfer usage rights to a non-member without permission.

Christmas is here, but where are all of your ringers? Like many

church bell choirs, yours has probably lost many of its ringers to

holiday travels or other commitments. But if you still want the sound

of bells during worship, the following piece can be pulled together

with fewer than five ringers and only a couple of rehearsals.

NOV/DEC 2011 19O V E R T O N E S

Velocity and Tracking Drillsby Michael R. Keller

See page 17 for notes on usage.

©2011 AGEHR, Inc. d.b.a. Handbell Musicians of America • Permission granted to make copies for choir or classroom use.Must be a current member of AGEHR and may not transfer usage rights to a non-member without permission.

NOV/DEC 201120O V E R T O N E S