BellsUKRAINIAN BELL CAROL

Arrangement by: Brian Harris

A simple setting of everyone's favorite holiday tune. Easy ranges and the use of antiphonal bells (optional) will make Ukrainian Bell Carol the "talk of the concert." Suggestions are included about using your beginner percussionists to play the antiphonal bell parts on their bell sets while your advanced band plays the music.
 
LEVEL:
 Easy; Grade 1 

Appropriate for 2nd- and 3rd-year players.
SAMPLES:
 Sample pages (.gif): 
Sound files:
Printable Score Sample:
COST:
 $30 U.S. (plus shipping) for full score, parts, and site-license. 

Extra full scores are $6 U.S. (plus shipping).
PROGRAMMING:
  • Winter/Christmas concert.
  • Performance Time: about 2 minutes
    		•
    FEATURES:
  • Antiphonal Bells (optional) adds excitement to performance.
  • Simple parts for all.
  • 1st Clarinet remains below break except for 3 notes (m.77).
    		•
    CHALLENGES:
  • Use of sfz; playing with "bell tone" style.
  • 3/4 section is fast; preferably in 1.
  • Trumpet 1 has short, 8th-note run (m.63)
  • Trombone plays several 1st line G's.
  • Dynamics; articulations.
    		•
    KEY and RANGES:
    		 G minor. 

    All parts are well within "2nd-year" ranges: Flute to B-flat above staff; 1st Clarinet to E on staff; 2nd Clarinet remains below break; Trumpet1 to 4th space E (only twice); Trombone not above 4th space G.
    INSTRUMENTATION:
    		 Basic Instrumentation

    (plus Clarinet 1, 2 and Trumpet 1, 2)
    MINIMUM
    INSTRUMENTATION
    REQUIREMENTS:
    		 (At least one of each) Flute, 2 Clarinets, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Line, Percussion.
    PERCUSSION:
    		 Parts for 6+ percussionists: 
      Percussion 1 = Snare Drum, Chimes
      Percussion 2 = Bass Drum 
      Percussion 3 = Mark Tree (wind chimes), 3 Triangles
      Percussion 4 = Suspended Cymbal, Mark Tree
      Percussion 5 = Bells, Chimes
      Percussion 6 = Timpani (2 drums, no pitch changes)

      Antiphonal Bells (optional) = as many players as practical

    About the Antiphonal Bell part:
      The Antiphonal Bell parts are optional and may be omitted if neccesary. However, the effect they create can substantially add to the experience of the piece for audience and performers alike. The notes played (any G, A, B-flat, or D, any octave) are randomly selected by each player; the rhythm to be played is random as well, following only the instructions of either 1, 2, or 3 notes per measure. The overall effect is that of a multitude of ringing steeple bells, creating an aural "canvas" upon which the music is placed.

      The original idea for the Antiphonal Bell parts was for beginning percussionists to use their practice bell sets. The players (as many as possible) are placed in the auditorium, standing in various places throughout the audience, playing the simple part from memory. Because of the "random-ness" of the part,any mistakes (not switching form 3 to 2 to 1 note per measure at the designated spot, not stopping at the designated spot) will not have any negative impact on the performance, but actually enhance the experience.

      Other suggestions for the Antiphonal Bells and players: - use Handbells, Orff instruments,crotales, extra triangles, etc. - if no beginners are available,use selected players from the band, such as the Horns.
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