It's always exciting to teach children in the fall when they are ready to learn and eager to experience new things. Such is the case with beginning handbells or handchimes. I begin with a little instruction about whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes and spend a lot of time in rhythm practice. New things are best received in a spirit of togetherness; therefore, my beginning pieces rely heavily on chords. That way no one stands out too much when a wrong note is rung. Here is a great piece for new ringers--DO LORD, a traditional spiritual that kids love to sing. The melody is played by an early intermediate flutist, and the ringers become the rhythm accompaniment. In no time at all, you will hear and see success! They will want to play it over and over-- and now your ringers have a small taste of what it sounds like to harmonize together. My friend Maestro approves, and he especially likes the fact that I color code notes on each ringer's sheet music. so if a ringer can count, he/she can ring! Four pages total (bell part and flute part), key of G with no key changes. Performance time: 1:25 minutes. Perfect piece for a two-octave Handbell or handchime set. PERMISSION IS GRANTED TO MAKE NECESSARY COPIES FOR RINGERS AND FLUTIST.

Also known as "Good People All, This Christmas Time" and Carul Loch Garman, this traditional Irish Christmas carol has a hauntingly beautiful melody dating back to the 12th century. A Celtic-flavored celebration of the Nativity, this trio for flute, guitar and piano is recommended for holiday recitals and concerts as well as Christmas pageants, plays, programs and musicals. 14 pages of music (that includes separate two-page pullout parts for flute and guitar). Key: G major. Flute and Guitar Level: Intermediate. Piano Level: Advanced Intermediate.