Kath Wissinger - Bells and More....
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Kath Wissinger - Bells and More....
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Kath Wissinger - Past and Present
You must love bells, too!! I've been directing and composing since 1988, leading 1 or 2 youth/teen handbell groups at Massanutten Presbyterian Church (Penn Laird, Va.) Currently I direct "Spectrum," a middle and high school ensemble of 6 ringers (plus me) on 3 octaves.
-----Our June 6-9, 2008 "Beach Bell" tour will take us to Richmond, Hampton and Chesapeake, offering concerts at Brighton Gardens (Richmond), Dominion Commons (Chesapeake), host family concerts on both Sat. and Sunday nights, worship services at two churches Sunday morning, and a final Concert Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. upon our return to Massanutten PC.
----- Spectrum's Fall 2007 tour featured a concert at Pendleton County Nursing Home (Franklin, WV), a trip through Seneca Caverns, and 3 Sunday morning services at three (3!!) different chuches: The Tannery Chapel, Rig Chapel and Moorefield (WV) PC.
-----Spectrum's Spring 2007 tour featured 3 school concerts, a day at the Baltimore Aquarium and playing for worship at Light Street Pres. on Federal Hill.
-----Our Fall 2006 tour included playing at The Conrad Center Soup Kitchen in Richmond, Va., teaching a class at the Area III Youth Festival, and playing at Brighton Gardens Retirement Center and for worship at Salisbury PC in Midlothian.
-----Spectrum's Spring 2006 tour took us to Front Royal (Southern Retirement Complex) and Winchester, Virginia (Winchester Medical Center), and to Church of the Pilgrim PCUSA Church in Washington DC.
-----Spectrum also offered an hour-long end of year concert in May 2006 at Massanutten Presbyterian Church.
----- "touch of Jesus" my former advanced teen choir toured, cut CDs, presented countless worship services, concerts, and school assemblies, and played for 4 FirstNight Harrisonburg Celebrations and for 5000 in worship at the 2001 PCUSA General Assembly in Louisville.
I am currently a member of the Area III Board and am active in Guild leadership, teaching classes and planning events. I also teach workshops and seminars, and direct at Festivals - local, Area, regional and national - single choirs to 750 ringers, youth and adult...
I teach music classes at Redeemer Classical School, Harrisonburg, Va. - Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd-3rd grade experiential music, and handbells for 4th-6th and 7th-8th grades. We present two concerts per semester and one or 2 outreach concerts as well, most recently for the 2008 Lenten music series at Asbury UMC, Harrisonburg, Va. This is the second time "The Redeemer Ringers" have presented a concert for this series.
I have led ringing sessions for the Very Special Arts of Virginia (which owns many sets of handchimes.) All the local schools' handicapped students attend a "Day for the Arts" each Spring and rotate through special-focus experiences. I have also led similar sessions at Camp StillMeadows, a summer retreat for handicapped adults.
I teach as I direct at Festivals, explaining notation style and interpretation, theory, form, patterns, technique options, safe ringing, and anything else that allows the ringer to more fully interpret the music.
Quotes from event organizers:
----"People responded extremely well to your leadership, and many requested that you return if possible."
Tom Ingram (Eagle Eyrie, VA 2006)
----"Ringers were very happy with your direction at the festival. Positive feedback, gentle suggestions, repertoire background...all well presented."
Tracey McDuffie (Herndon Festival, VA 2006)
-----"Thank you for your fine work as our clinician. Our ringers had a good and enjoyable learning experience under your leadership."
Richard Moore (Georgia Spring Ring 2006)
-----"...you were just what we needed to keep us moving forward."
Beth Ann Edwards (Westminster (PC) Youth Bell Choir Workshop, Des Moines, IA 2/07)
-----"...and everyone heralded you as knowledgable, helpful, fun, patient and full of great humor."
Laura Holbrook (Ringing at the Springs, Massanetta Springs, VA 2/08)
-----"Thank you for doing a super job - sharing your great love for music, ringing and ringers in such a way that all who participated had an exceptional learning experience."
(Charm Peterman, Area III Chair - for the Genesis Track Area III Festivals, March and April 2008)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 22-27, 2008 Lake Junaluska Music Week (NC) - Intermediate Handbell Track. Jerald Jay, contact
August 23, 2008 Arkansas Baptist Handbell Workshop - Director. Michael Handy, contact.
March 13-14, 2009 Arkansas Baptist Handbell Festival, Massed Director. Michael Handy, contact.
June 27-30, 2009 - Area II Adult Festival, Teacher.
June 30-July 2, 2009 - Area II Youth Festival, Massed Director.
June 24-26, 2010 - AGEHR Area VIII Festival - Massed Director and teacher. Topeka, KS, Marilyn Lake, Kipp Willnauer and Becky Waters, coordinators
PAST EVENTS:
April 11-12, 2008 Genesis Track Director, Area III Spring Festival in Hampton, Va. Nick Hanson, Festival Chair
March 15, 2008 "Bell-a-Paloosa I" - a day of sight reading and preparation of 4 pieces for a concert. Jacquetta Owen, coordinator. Winchester, Va.
March 7-8, 2008 Genesis Track Director, Area III Spring Festival in Ocean City, Md. Linda Simms, Festival Chair
Feb. 29-March 2, 2008 Intermediate Track Director, Ringing at the Springs, Massanetta Springs, Va. Laura Holbrook, coordinator.
Feb. 2, 2008 Greater Dallas Handbell Association (GDHA) Annual Youth Festival, Massed conductor. Kathy Gueiterriv, coordinator.
Sept. 22, 2007 - Massed Clinician (Beginning and Intermediate, 135 ringers) for the Westminster Ringer's workshop, Mt. Airy, MD. Debbie and Larry Henning, coordinators.
July 18-21, 2007 - Teacher at the AGEHR National Seminar, Dallas, Tx - classes on Processionals, Accidentals and Performance, as well as directing "Jazzin'" in the Pinnacle track. Deb Heine, Co-Chair Program.
June 22-23, 2007 - Clinician, Area VII Directors' Seminar, LaCrosse, WI, Alanna Teragawa, Coordinator.
June 29- July 1, 2007 - Director. Area VII Young Ringers Festival, Stewartsville, Minnesota. Deedee O'Dell, coordinator.
March 9-10, 2007 - Teacher at Area III Ocean City, Md. Spring Festival: High Bell Techniques and Ringing Techniques A-Z. Debbie Henning, Program Chair.
Feb. 19, 2007 - Youth Bell Choirs Workshop (4 groups)at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines, IA. Beth Ann Edwards, Coordinator.
Feb. 18, 2007 - Director, Algona Massed Ring Handbell Festival, Algona, Iowa. Julie Murphy, Coordinator.
February 9-10, 2007 - Director, 2-3 oct. Festival at Eagle Eyrie. Virginia Baptist Handbell Festival (Lynchburg, Va.) Tom Ingram, coordinator.
February 2-3, 2007 - Clinician, Area I Directors' Seminar, Nashua, NH. Griff Gall, Co-Chair.
Dec. 2 - Bridgewater Holiday Bellfest, Virginia, Ramona Evans, Coordinator.
November 3, 2006 - Director, Herndon Handbell Festival, Herndon, Virginia. Tracey McDuffie, Coordinator.
July 30 - August 4, 2006 - Director - Children's (3rd, 4th & 5th grades) chimes and Youth (6th-8th grade)bell choirs - Massanetta Springs Music Conference, Va. Geoff and Maureen Wysham, coordinators.
June 16-17, 2006 - Clinician - AGEHR Area VI Summer Handbell Seminar for Directors and Ringers - Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mary Caldwell, coordinator
April 22, 2006 - Clinician, Westminster PC Handbell Workshop, Alexandria, Virginia. Contact - Melynda Wilcox
April 8, 2006 - Director: Mt. Zion United Methodist Church 2006 Handbell Festival. Mechanicsville, MD. Linda Lamb, contact.
March 17-18, 2006 - Director - Georgia Spring Ring, Dunwoody UMC, Atlanta, Georgia: Richard Moore, Coordinator.
March 10-11, 2006 - Director - 2-3 Octave Beginning Ringer Festival, James River Ringers, Richmond, Va. Kim Boan, Coordinator.
February 18, 2006 - Clinician - Rockbridge Area Handbell Festival - handbell workshop in Lexington PC, Lexington, Va. Ruth Floyd, Coordinator.
February 10-11, 2006 - Director - Virginia Baptist Handbell Festival - 2-3 oct. Track at Eagle Eyrie, Virginia, 13 choirs: Tom Ingram Coordinator.
Sept. 17, 2005 - Clinician - church bell choir workshop - Springhill Baptist Church, Ruckersville, Va. Mary Buckner, coordinator.
Sat., August 20, 2005 - Area III Directors' Clinic and Reading Session, Manassas, Virginia.
Taught a 3 hour beginning directors course and co-directed an afternoon of sight-reading handbell music.
June 2005 - Conductor - Area I Festival in Durham NH, directing Tins and Massed Ringing (750 ringers.) Deb LeBrun, Area I chair.
April 2005 - Clinician - afternoon workshop and surprise commission "When We Gather" (published by GIA, 3-5 oct. L3) and concert for Marilyn Converse at Trinity Lutheran Church, N. Bethesda, MA
Spring 2005 - Taught classes at all 3 Area III Spring 2005 Festivals: Chesapeake in Feb., Ocean City (Md.) in March and Hickory, N.C. in April.
Feb. 11 & 12, 2005 -Kansas City,Director -
-Director's Workshop - Friday evening
-Youth Handbell Festival at Wheatridge Middle School, Gardner, Kansas - Kipp Willnauer coordinator
-premier of commissioned piece "Horsing Around"
Feb. 13, 2005 - Des Moines, Director - Youth Handbell Festival, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Beth Ann Edwards -coordinator.
Jan. 2005, Massanetta Springs (Va.) Advanced Track Director - 3 day Handbell Workshop "Ringing at the Springs," Laura Holbrook - Coordinator.
October 2004 - Clinician - workshops with Van Buren Middle School "ViBrations" bell choir and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church bell choir. Dayton, Ohio. Linda Tripp - coordinator
Aug. 28, 2004 Harrisonburg, Va. - Director - Read and Ring Session for Area III at Massanutten Presbyterian Church
August 2004 - Director - Massanetta Springs Music Conference (VA),: led 3rd-5th grade chimes and 6th-8th grade bells (a new offering this year.) Ed Tompkins/Betsy Dishman -coordinators
June 2004, PW Synod of the MidAtlantic Conference - Bell workshop and 3 hour class ringing option, commissioned hymn "Women of Faith," Pam Snyder- coordinator
Feb. 2004 - Handbell Weekend - Director: Advanced 3-Day Ringing Track at Lutheridge Conference Center, NC. Pastor Tim Caniff Kuhn - coordinator
August of 2003: Massanetta Springs Music Week Conference (Va.) directed four Handbell Divisions with 120 ringers in 4 different classes, each for 5 days. Ed Tompkins/Sara Pelfrey - coordinators
Kingsport Festival, Tennessee: director. November, 2002, Julie Vogel - coordinator
Advanced Teen Festival, Shenandoah Valley, Va.: co-planner and co-director.
I was a National Park Service Ranger for many years, taught Environmental Education and have been an Elder Hostel teacher. Now I'm active teaching and directing at Handbell events, teaching middle school bells and general music, taking care of my piano students, ringers and composing projects. I have also taught guitar and preschool music units and have adjudicated at piano festivals.
Updated 3-17-08
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Composing and Teaching
About 50 of my compositions have been published by companies such as AGEHR, Lorenz, GIA, HighMeadow, Above the Line, National Music, STEP, Alfred, From the Top, Composers Music (Jeffers), Hope/Agape. I write solos and ensembles as well as pieces ranging from 2 octaves to 7 octaves: pieces for all Levels and needs. Many of my pieces are also written for pedagogical purposes - to teach particular skills - either for my ringers or for other choirs.
Quote from Kim Schlabach, Middle High Handbell Teacher at Thomas Harrison Middle School, Harrisonburg, Va.
"My hat's off to you!! We need more teaching pieces. Your scores are easy to read, allow both clefs to ring rhythms, include drills, sound full, and the kids feel successful with stated attainable goals. Success breeds success."
Commissions are a joy to work on, and I work closely with the commissioning group to produce a wonderful piece just for them. Most recently delivered:
"Shout for Joy!" Psalm 100 - an original text/tune SATB anthem with 3-5 oct. L3 handbell piece - both scores may also be played independently. Commissioned in celebration of 20 years of handbells at Shawnee UMC, Shawnee, Kansas. 1/08
"Light and Shine" - 3-5 oct. L3, a medley of "Siyahamba" and "Shine, Jesus, Shine" with new rhythms and harmonies - Commissioned for 'A Joyful Noise' in celebration of 5 years 2002-2007 Laconia, NH, Mary Divers, director.
Other commissions:
"Sketches on Down Ampney" 3-6 octaves, opt. 3-5 oct chimes. Commissioned by The Falls Church Joyful Ringers in memory of Amber Harter. Four interpretations of "Come Down, O Love Divine," for Pentecost. (Lorenz Publishing, Release Spring 2008.) 4/07
"Imprezzo" 3-5 oct. L3/4 Choir I and Optional L1+ or L2- Choir II, commissioned by The Back Bay Ringers (Boston) - Griff Gall, director. Imprezzo is a strong march with an embellished melodic line of 16th note triplets for Choir I. Choir II (written for Griff Gall's 4th grade chime class) can be played alone with the included clarinet solo, ringing from a L1+ score (all quarter notes) or a L2- score, which includes eighth notes. 1/07
"Veritas"(3-5 oct. L4/5) for Tom and Marilyn Gannon's senior high choir (premiered May 2006) - (Choristers Guild 2009)
"All Time and Space"(3-6 oct., opt. chimes L5+) commissioned by Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines in honor of Beth Ann Edwards. (GIA)
"Horsing Around" a 3-5 oct. L3 (From the Top Publishers) This perky ragtime piece was commissioned for the Wheatridge Middle School 8th grade choir by Kipp Willnauer, director.
"When We Gather," a 3-5 oct. L3 (opt. chimes, guitar) Published by GIA 2006. A stand alone handbell piece, with optional solo/unison singing of an original gathering hymn. Commissioned in honor of Marilyn Converse and her 20 years of handbell directing.
"Love's Reflection" (The Light and The Mirror) 3-6 oct. L3/4 commissioned by Lisbeth Ash for the AGEHR Endowment Fund silent auction, Des Moines DS. (Hope Publishing)
"The Quest" 2-3 and 3-5 oct.scores, L3, opt. chimes, guitar, tambourine.
Commissioned for the 8th grade select handbell choir at Thomas Harrison Middle School, Kimly Schlabach, director. A repetitive harmonic minor motif recurs throughout this piece with Middle-Eastern echoes. Appropriate for Advent, Epiphany or church/concert/Festival use. (National Music Pubilshing - soon to be released.)
"Festive Promenade" (3-5 oct. Choir I and optional 3 oct. Choir II on chimes or bells, optional guitar and tambourine, Lorenz) - written for the SW Ohio Festival. (Lorenz Publishing)
My tastes run from Celtic, sacred and classical, to jazz and downright Sassy! I specialize in original pieces but also enjoy arrangements. Following are some of my pieces:
NEWLY RELEASED PIECES!!!
Campana Sonos (Bell Sounds) - 2-3 oct. L1 - a spritely original piece which teaches many basic handbell techniques, each technique in an 8 measure block. Alfred
Hyfrydol 2-3 oct. L1 - all ranges participate in the melody, fully scored for 2-3 oct. ranges. Lorenz
Many and Great 2-3 oct. L1 (Composers Music) - Marts and thumb damps enliven the accompaniment parts in this calm rendition of a Plains Indian melody. Unison practice sheet and suggestions for rehearsal are included. Optional repeats and shortened version noted.
Sketches on "Down Ampney" 3-5 oct. (Lorenz)
"Come Down O Love, Divine" implores the text of this Pentecost piece. Full and rich with a grand waltz to finish.
Other bell music published:
Good King Wenceslas 2-3 oct. L1 Perfectly timed for beginning choirs to master for Christmas. SoundForth
All Time and Space (Rhapsody in A minor) 3-6 oct. L5+ (opt.chimes) GIA
Three distinct sections explore the vastness of the universe. The new Singing Bowl technique is used in the bass bells for a continual sound for the introduction and in various places within the piece. The recurring notes in the main thematic motif B, A and E represent the commission honoree's initials (Beth Ann Edwards.)
Savior of the Nations, Come - 3-5 octaves, opt. chimes, L2+ (Lorenz) A mystical invitation for Christ to come features open fifths, strong key changes, and a showcase part for the lower bass bells.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - 2-3 octaves, L1 (Hope) ..perfectly timed for a beginning choir to master a well-loved Christmas carol during its Fall ringing season. Written with carefully isolated parts as well as the melody in all ranges. A unison practice sheet is also included. Fine for concert, beginning festival and worship.
A Tree and a Star - 2-3 oct. L2- (Composer's Music Co. CP7031)
"O,Christmas Tree" and "We Three Kings" are the well-known Christmas tunes in this mini-collection. The pieces may be played either together or separately and by handbells or handchimes. Helpful practice notes are included, making this a helpful teaching resource as well as an excellent performance choice for choirs looking to move up from a Level 1 repertoire.
Horsing Around (Ragtime Praise), 3-5 oct. L3 (From the Top FM20145)
This piece was commissioned by Kipp Willnauer for his 7th-8th grade school handbell choir. Their school is very near the birthplace of Scott Joplin, Master of Ragtime. It is written in ABA form, with the second A section identical to the first A section to facilitate ease in learning. The ragtime style of the piece cleverly provides a study in syncopation for all of the ringers. Performance notes are included. Set in the key of F Major, measures total 73.
Triple Threat (The Trials of Job) (From the Top - 3-5 oct. L3) - here's the piece that was played at a National Seminar unpublished reading session a few years ago - and folks continue to ask for it. Written as an etude for triplets - all ringers play triplets in this piece, even the bass ringers....A somewhat haunting piece with modal shifts (my son calls it my "Harry Potter" piece).... it'll be a crowd pleaser at concerts and Festivals, a challenging piece for Level 3-4 Festivals. Ideal for worship if the sermon topic is on trials, temptations, etc.
Accolade - 3 octaves, L2- (Hope) Written to introduce ringers to playing 2 eighth notes within the beat. An excellent piece for beginning choirs to become confident in playing eighth notes. The sprightly original melody, echoes and thumb damps make for a nice presentation for church or concert; a favorite of my ringers. A unison practice sheet with eighth note rhythm patterns is included.
Jazzin' - From the Top - 5 oct. L5 An original, super-charged piece with boogie bass and swing beat/triplets. If your choir loved Bell Boogie, this can be the next step beyond. We used an electric guitar freely jamming with us for each performance, and bass ringers freely improvised as well. Range options are being determined - 5 octave scores now available, Level 5... 3/4 oct. scores coming soon. (Pinnacle Experience piece for the AGEHR National Seminar, Dallas, 2007. Distinctly Bronze Repertoire 2007.)
Enter with Joy (Brioso) Alfred 3-5 octaves, L2
A snappy piece in mixed modes (ionian and mixolydian) with 8 measure sections, which can be repeated or rearranged as needed. Many techniques used. Processional option. Great for Festivals, concert and worship.
Too Much Fun (Ice Escapades), National Music Publishers 3-6 oct. L4 (opt. 3 oct. chimes)
A wild romp across chromatic runs, fugue-like, original. A blatant show-off piece for experienced choirs who have too much fun in rehearsal.
When We Gather (GIA, 3-5 oct. L3, opt. chimes, with optional guitar and solo or unison vocal - bulletin insert included.) An original gathering hymn for worship or Festival - the bell score stands alone as a performance piece or can be used to accompany a solo voice or congregational singing - within easy singing range. Introduce it on bells as special music one Sunday, then use it as hymn of the month to solidify your congregation's familiarity. Based on the Bible verse "when two or more of you are gathered in my name....."
Love's Reflection (The Light and The Mirror) Hope, 3-6 oct, opt. 1-7 oct. chimes, L3/4 - depending on the optional flourishes you use.
A grand sweeping original theme with quarter note triplets against eighths. Bold and interpretive. Chimes have "orchestral" themes. Written for the AGEHR Fund Silent Auction, commissioned by Lisbeth Ash.
Truly Amazing (Amazing Grace) - solo/duet with piano or 2-5 oct. choir, L2/3 (Sassafras, to be reissued by From the Top) - rehearsal/performance CD also available.
A richly harmonized version of this lovely hymn tune can be played as a bell solo with piano, adding another part for a duet (bell duet may play without piano)...and also scored more fully for 2-5 oct. choir (also may be played with piano or solo/duet.) A very versatile piece for worship, concert, Festival, ensemble class techniques.
Tre Regali (The Three Gifts) - 3-6 oct. w/opt. 2-4 oct. chimes,finger cymbals and tambourine. L4 High Meadow Music Publishing.
This original driving 5/4 piece emphasizes chordal rhythms, some with shifting pulses. A middle section in octaves highlights harmonic minor scales. Bright and modal, it can be used for Epiphany (the three kings) or any service (faith, hope and love) or concert venue.
A Time to Dance (crazy eighths!) 3-5 oct. L3+, Alfred (Spring 2005) - a Greek celebration, original; everyone (even the bass notes) play eighth notes! opt. guitar, tambourine. Great for worship, concert or Festival. "For everything there is a season..."
Advent Voices, Lorenz - 2-5 oct. L2+ (20/1325L)
Two Advent tunes (Prepare the Way, O Zion and O Come, O Come Emmanuel) in a Renaissance-like setting. Bold in some parts, mystical in others, the two themes intertwine and echo each other. 90 measures, opt. finger cymbals and windchimes. Especially good for special Advent music and for including 2 octave choirs in a festival setting with quality, meaningful music.
Rhythmic Fanfare (A Joyous Occasion) (HighMeadow 01-075) 4-6 oct. L3 w/opt. chimes/alternate bell set, tambourine, finger cymbals
A simple, snappy original melody accompanied by open fifths with a few meter changes for punch. Middle section highlights octave work with optional chimes or an alternate bell set. Mallets, mart lifts. 48 measures long.
Promise, (GIA 6430) 2-3 oct. w/ 2-3 oct. opt. chimes L2
An simple, uplifting theme in 4/4 with a predictable "dotted quarter-eighth" pattern. Fully involves all ringers (everyone may also play chimes at some point)- ABA form. Original. Bass bells play melody in "B" Section. Ideal for an advanced beginning choir for memory work and for Level 2 Festivals. 44 measures.
One Great Spirit (Wakantanka) (Sassafras, to be reissued by GIA 2009) 2-3 and 3-5 oct. L2
A moving original theme, with bass mallets and rich textures. Double scored for small and large choirs, compatible (not identical) - yet they can be reheased together. Use for double choirs or Festivals (2-5 oct. choirs may all play!), worship, etc.
With All My Heart, GIA 3-5 oct. L3 (an easy L3)
An original piece with a lilting Celtic aire ideal for worship, concert, Festival or wedding (seating the mother's, lighting the candles or even as the processional.) Written to honor Fran Vaughan, past Chair of Area III AGEHR. Area I June 2005 Festival Tins Repertoire.
Ribaltimento, Hope Publishing, 2 oct. Level 2
An short happy etude on chord inversions, snappy and repetetive with some 3rd/4th oct. optional bass notes. Also playable by a smaller ensemble with 4iH at top and weaving in the bass. Original.
Broken for You (3-5 oct. L3, AGEHR) (Area III Adult Festival Repertoire)- a lush, reflective piece symbolizing the Last Supper. Two themes are introduced, then played intertwined, an excellent Festival piece - especialy to promote stylistic and interpretive ringing, ideal for communion, Lent, and concert. Original.
Festive Promenade (3-5 oct L3, plus opt. guitar, tambourine and L1 Choir II, Lorenz) (Southwest Ohio Festival) - a great Festival piece or worship/concert opener, cheery and bold - Original. No accidentals. Choir II (which does not stand alone) plays straight block chords, very easy, yet fully involved in the piece.
To Snow or Not to Snow (3-5 oct. L3+, AGEHR) - a spunky original piece with lots of percussive techniques, subtitle "Spring Frolic," "Autumn Leaves" or "Celebration of Faith" for other uses. Ideal for a winter Festival or Holiday concert, and as a fun piece in any Festival.
Chopsticks and How!! (3-5 oct. L2+ plus Opt. Choir II 2-3 oct L2- with piano/orff/guitar accompaniment included, HighMeadow) - an excellent Festival/concert piece or concert encore. May involve 2 levels/ranges of choirs, one on each score. Choir II can be played alone with guitar or piano (score included.)
Welcome the Day! 2-5 oct. L3 plus Opt. L1/2 Choir II and flute, (Above the Line)(2003 Wellington NZ Festival) - offers full participation for 2 oct. choirs as well as 5 oct. choirs in a single score (very few parentheses!) Original. Flute solo optional. Choir II may play alone with a special flute solo, included.
*****New 2 octave score option now included.
Area I - June 2005 Festival Massed repertoire piece.
Jingle Bellorama (2-3 oct. L2, Lorenz) - an easy Level 2, fun and rhythmic with mallets and sleighbells, some chromatics (which can be omitted if necessary.) Ideal for a beginning choir to get a good feel for their bells. A fun Festival piece and a crowd pleaser, too.
The Sower (3-5 oct. L3 plus opt. tic-tock block, GIA) - representing the parable of The Sower, this piece lopes along with some 5/4 and 6/4 measures for good fun in concert, worship or Festival! Original. Thumb damps and mallets allow various voices to be heard. Excellent first mixed meter piece.
"The Travelers from Nazareth" from GIA, 3-5 oct. L3, with vocal solo or SATB bulletin insert, original text by Tammy Raetz. A new Advent hymn, gentle and haunting, which narrates the travels of Mary and Joseph and the prophecies of the birth of the Christ Child. Definitely a bright spot in your Advent season!! Use it as hymn of the month after introducing it with bells and a soloist.
More advanced pieces for Bronze ringers in worship, festival and concert:
La Mer (L5 5 oct. with opt. L1 Choir II, Above the Line Master Packet)(an arr. of Suzanne Ciani's piano solo) - mesmerizing waves of 8th note arpeggios covering the entire 5 octaves, optional flute solo (somewhat advanced.) A stunning concert/worship piece which highlights the LV of wide bell ranges. A beginning chime choir may be included by playing block chords which support the main harmonies.
A Large Day (4-6 oct. L5, opt. bodhran, Lorenz)(Debbie Rice's Bronze Conference Choir, Area III, and Distinctly Bronze, 2005) - This bold original Celtic piece is non-stop rhythmic challenge, in ABCBA form, malleting, echoes and grace notes add to the fun. Add a Bodhran (Irish drum) to the mix to really get it going! Used in Bronze Conferences, concerts and worship.
Coming soon:
Laudare - 2-3 oct. L1+ (Choristers Guild) A quarter note piece with marts in chords and a simple syncopation pattern. Very accessible and full sounding. All ringers are involved.
Bronze Jubilee 3-5 oct. L4 (From the Top)
Syncopation and chordal motifs make this rowdy piece a toe-tapper concert pleaser or an uplifting moment in worship.
Truly Amazing (Amazing Grace) 2-3 and 2-5 oct. L2 scores as well as a solo/optional duet with piano accompaniment (all compatible). To be reissued by From the Top.
"One Great Spirit" 2-3 and 3-5 oct. L2 Plaintive but strong original tune with Native American feel. Mallets and close harmonies, as well as open fifths. To be reissued by GIA.
Grand Entry - 3-5 oct. L2 - The next step beyond Accolade for playing 8th notes - all ringers play 8th notes on the "and" in open arpeggios. Unison practice sheet provided, optional processional. Composer's Music (Jeffers)
Veritas 3-6 oct. L4/5 An original driving, syncopated piece commissioned by Tom and Marilyn Gannon for their teen choir. (Chorister Guild) Spring 2009.
Oh, Lamb of God Most Holy - 2-3 oct. L1+ A gentle rendition of the simple hymn tune with fermatas and one key change. Choristers Guild.
Carol of the Bells 2-5 oct. L2+ GIA 2009-10
An exciting and accessible version of this iconic tune. Carefully scored within ringing positions with keys changes and an optional repeat. An excellent Festival piece.
I've also developed a series through Above the Line called "Expandabells" which allows for multiple numbers of ringers and configurations without "watering down" the positions. Ringers who want more varied ensemble experience will enjoy these original pieces: Sassy!(Elf Mischief), Souviens, Recueillir, Resolution. Some include full choir and even Choir II Scores as well. These are sold in Master Packets.
Other quartets include: Go Down, Moses (also in 2 oct. choir format) and Bittersweet (Love and Agony) from National Music Publishers.
You can find most of my pieces by searching the Music site for "Wissinger" at Jeffers Handbell Supply (www.handbellworld.com)
I've enjoyed teaching many classes at the AGEHR National Seminar, Area III Festivals and Seminars and other workshops: offering topics such as-
"Accidentals Happen"
-----Planning ahead for accidentals makes ringing them a breeze. A simple 4iH teaching method is applied, and examples are played for practice.
"Mixed Meter Mastery"
-------The secrets of mixed meter counting and playing is revealed and practiced, then played in actual pieces.
"Originals for Worship"
------ a reading session focusing on original pieces written specifically for worship, many with scriptural references. L2/3 2-3 and 3-5 oct. pieces. No hymn tunes here, the music speaks for itself...
"Putting Pizzazz in Your Performance"
-------In an hour, we explore 2 Level 2-3 sight-readable, yet very musical pieces, adding finesse and interpretation to them. Both pieces are played to completion, with "style!"
"Add Bells and Stir! (Processionals)"
-----In an hour, the ringers learn how to teach and perform handbell processionals, ribbons and all, using basic pieces in the handouts, making up their own, playing chord-based accompaniments and reading through some published scores.
Ringing 'Way Up There
----- Treble bell class exploring multiple bell techniques to cover chromatic (G,G#,A,A#) and diatonic (G,A,B,C) assignments with three and four bells.
Techniques A - Z
-----Learn to identify, describe, execute and then play within in a short score example the many techniques used in handbell literature, from Echoes to Vibrato. "Best case" ranges and uses of techniques are also covered.
Conduct Yourself Accordingly (Basic Conducting Skills)
-----Valuable for ringers and beginning directors: to understand the "silent language of music", how to be effective, precise communicators with prep beats, dynamics, tempo control.
"Arranging for Handbells"
-----A public domain hymn is examined for chordal progressions, then 4 measures at a time are interpreted in a different accompaniment pattern. Idiomatic tendencies of handbells and basic theory are discussed.
"Ringing With Understanding" (Music Theory)
-------A basic theory class (lecture and demo) to enlighten ringers about grand staff, key signatures, notation, note rhythms/counting, modes, time signatures.....by understanding the method behind the music, ringers can play with more understanding, taking more responsibility on themselves to ring the music beyond the notes.
My classes are energetic and fully involve all ringers!!
I also love directing Festivals and workshops; from school aged groups to mixed generations to advanced tracks back to beginners, from single choirs and small festivals to 750 massed ringers. I would love to be considered as a clinician for your event.
I participated in the AGEHR Master Conducting Class with Bill Payn in Jan. 2003 and studied Composition with Arnold Sherman Jan. 2005 (AGEHR Master Class.) I have also studied Composition with John Behnke and Advanced Conducting with David Davidson in Hartford, 2003.
References for teaching, workshops, commissions and Festival directing are available upon request. Feel free to ask me about any of my pieces as well.
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Contact me!
You may contact me at Longwalk3 "at" aol "dot" com
Please make specific reference in the subject line describing your query. Try to not include any attachments for fear of viruses.
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