Newness is one of our very special compositions for handbell choir. In addition to being written for three or five octaves of handbells/handchimes, it’s possible to play it at Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3. The difference between the Level 2 and Level 3 versions is simply whether or not you choose to use chimes (for Level 2, just play all the chime notes with bells). The Level 1 version could be performed from the Level 3 score by playing only the notes that are on the beat, but it really was a gentler approach to create a separate Level 1 score so that those playing it wouldn’t have the distraction of seeing notes that they don’t play.
Because the scores are mutually developed, it’s possible to play them simultaneously in a multi-ensemble event! Each team would play the version of their choice, and everything would mix together nicely. You could play this at any festival, and everyone could stay within their musical means!
We’ve just added a demo video of the five-octave Level 1 version. That way, you can get an idea of how your bell choir will look when they play it (they won’t look like two set of septuplets, of course…). Here it is:
Newness – for Handbells (3 or 5 octaves, Level 1 version) – Larry Sue from Larry and Carla – Handbell Duo on Vimeo.
Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
