These three carols, arranged for SSA voices, were written and performed by VocaVarina, a small advanced female vocal ensemble based in North Carolina. These settings are designed to show of the talent of these amazing singers (and yours!) in a capella fashion.

This collection contains 10 Christmas carols arranged for 2-part ensembles using only 8-note instruments. Each song in this collection is notated for handbells on one part and Boomwhackers® on a second part. For each song, there is a combined score with both parts on a grand staff plus a separate 1-staff score for each individual part. A note and chord reference chart is also provided for each song.

This set of scores uses colored noteheads corresponding to the Boomwhackers® color scheme. If you have a set of bells or tubes with a different color scheme, ?Chroma-Notes Stick Ons? can be purchased and applied so the instruments match the Boomwhackers® color scheme. This set of scores is also available (separate purchase) in black and white which will print clearer if you do not have access to a color printer.

Only filled noteheads (quarter and eighth notes) are used so the notes are full color and easier to see (this does not indicate the bells need to be silenced immediately before the next beat). Also, only quarter rests are used to help visualize the number of beats per measure. Lyrics and chord names are provided as well to aid in the learning and teaching of these songs.

Though this sheet music is notated for Handbells and Boomwhackers®, these arrangements are playable by any 8-note, C major diatonic scale (one octave) instrument such as a xylophone or glockenspiel.

The number of ringers and whackers needed will vary depending on the skill level of the participants. For more advanced players, each person could be assigned two or three notes. For beginners, it is best to assign one note to each person. Note assignment suggestions are included for each song.

Other suggestions and uses:
* have both parts played by bells or both parts played using only Boomwhackers®
* form a choir using multiple sets of bells and/or Boomwhackers® (this would amplify the sound and allow more people to participate)
* use as part of the music education for children at school, home, or church
* these colorful, inexpensive instruments can be enjoyed by all ages and add a fun, unique element to activities and programs: senior centers, family reunions, church retreats, home school groups, just to name a few


Each of the 10 Christmas Carol arrangements is also available separately with accompanying preview pages and audio samples.

Titles included in this collection:
Angels We Have Heard on High
As Lately We Watched
Come, All Ye Shepherds
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
The First Noel
Here We Come A-Caroling
Joy to the World
O Come, Little Children
O Thou Joyful Day
Sing We Now of Christmas

English * French * German.

English Folk Tunes contains 28 original arrangements of traditional and contemporary tunes including ballads, sea shanties, and carols. Most of the pieces are arranged for solo guitar, with several also offered as trios and with accompaniments. Experienced folk guitarist, and author of Scottish Folk Tunes for Guitar (ED 13359) Hugh Burns provides notes on all of the pieces, as well as playing tips, and technical advice. The volume includes recordings of all tunes in MP3 files for download performed by Hugh Burns. German and French translations of all texts are available as pdf downloads from the Schott Music website. Suitable for players of grades 3-8.